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Issue: Vol. 4272 No. 1: 26 May 2017
Type: Article
Published: 2017-05-26
DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4272.1.2
Page range: 40–56
Abstract views: 104
PDF downloaded: 1

Redescription of the numbat tick Ixodes (Sternalixodes) myrmecobii Roberts, 1962 (Acari: Ixodidae) with descriptions of the male and nymph, and new host records

Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources, 5 Ring Road, Bundoora, Victoria 3186, Australia.
School of Veterinary and Life Sciences; Murdoch University, 90 South St, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia.
School of Veterinary and Life Sciences; Murdoch University, 90 South St, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia.
taxonomy distribution ecology conservation DNA Australia Acari

Abstract

Limited knowledge regarding the biology and identification of the Australian tick Ixodes myrmecobii exists with only the female described to date. Here we provide a description of the male and nymph as well as a redescription of the female. All described stages are molecularly characterised using the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) and internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) loci. An updated list of hosts is presented including the first records from humans, cattle and several native species. Information on the distribution and conservation status of this species is also included.

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