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Vol 57, No 4 (2023)
Articles
Species of the genus xenopsylla (siphonaptera; pulicidae) as vectors of plague infection in its natural foci
Abstract
In the review, the peculiarities of distribution, host-parasite relations, and significance as vectors of plague of the fleas of the genus Xenopsylla (Pulicidae) are analyzed. Spatial distribution of plague foci all over the world and the role of this genus fleas in circulation of the plague pathogen in various regions of the planet are considered. It is shown that out of at least 255 existing natural foci of plague around the world in which the circulation of the pathogen occurs independently of the other foci, in 114 foci the only main vectors or members of the main vector pool are the fleas of the genus Xenopsylla . Among 21 flea species of this genus found naturally infected with the plague microbe in nature, 17 species are considered as main vectors of this pathogen in a given number of foci; in Africa and Southeast Asia, the role of the flea X. cheopis is the most significant.
Parazitologiâ. 2023;57(4):267-309
267-309
252
The phenomenon of attachment and feeding of unfed ticks (ixodoidea) on fed and feeding specimens of the same or different species: terminological issues
Abstract
The feeding by unfed ticks on engorged or feeding specimens of the same (or different) species has been repeatedly documented in laboratory colonies of ticks of the subfamily Ixodoidea. We review the lack of terminological consistency in descriptions of this phenomenon, especially in Russian-language papers. The term “cannibalism” is clearly inapplicable, since it necessarily involves the destruction of the victim by way of consumption (which concerns only specimens of the same species), whereas the tick specimens used as a source for feeding by other ticks typically remain viable. “Homovampirism” (омовампиризм), which is found exclusively in the Russian-language literature, is also unsuitable, “vampirism” being a folkloric word and as such inappropriate for use in the scientific literature. The term “kleptoparasitism”, which appears to reflect the specificity of this phenomenon, is vague and covers many different types of relationships between living organisms. “Hyperparasitism” appears to be the most fitting name for this phenomenon widely used now by acarologists. When using this term, it would be necessary to specify whether the parasitism is conspecific or heterospecific.
Parazitologiâ. 2023;57(4):310-318
310-318
152
Secretion of dermal glands in freshwater mites (acariformes, parasitengonina, hydrachnidia) and its structural characteristics
Abstract
Freshwater mites, single possessors of dermal glands in Parasitengonina, demonstrate production of special filamentous substance, which may be characterized as silk. The silk secretion and silk stricture in water mites are described and analyzed in comparison with other arthropods. A single silk thread has the simplest organization among that of other arthropods - it is an infinitely long unbranched uniform hollow tube, the walls of which are composed of fine fibrils crossing at different angles to each other. Although silk in water mites does not form a structural organized web as in spiders, it is highly likely that in mass production it serves for capturing prey - small water arthropods. This kind of silk - is a new discovered type of arthropod silk, and the ability of silk production has elaborated in water mites after their ancestors have invaded and mastered the aquatic environment. This property greatly expands the possibilities in the competition for resources.
Parazitologiâ. 2023;57(4):319-336
319-336
307
Incomplete fragmentation of giant tegument nuclei in acanthocephalus tenuirostris (palaeacanthocephala, echinorhynchida)
Abstract
The giant nuclei of the Acanthocephalus tenuirostris tegument at the late acanthella stage show incomplete fragmentation. This process is preceded by the transformation of the nuclei, and their acquisition of a tree-like shape. Thin connections between the nuclear fragments of the tegument is retained both at the stage of cystacanth and in the adult acanthocephalans. It is assumed that such an organization of the nuclear structure ensures the vital activity of the tegument, the volume of which increases repeatedly during the subsequent growth of the acanthocephalan.
Parazitologiâ. 2023;57(4):337-343
337-343
129
On the expansion of the range of Polyplax hannswrangeli Eichler, 1952 (Anoplura) in Western Siberia
Abstract
In the South Trans-Ural region, 2106 insectivores and rodents of 18 species were captured in 2022, and 3633 lice of 9 species were collected from them. The louse P. hannswrangeli parasitizing on the field vole was recorded for the first time in this area. A total of 64 specimens of this louse species (adults and larvae) were recorded. The louse P. hannswrangeli was found on voles in two out of 22 examined biotopes in a pine-birch wild rose-forb felling and dead cover pine forest. At present, the louse P. hannswrangeli in the West Siberian Plain is known from forest-tundra, northern and middle taiga, and herb-bunchgrass steppe. Further studies do not exclude findings of this species in other zones (subzones) of Western Siberia.
Parazitologiâ. 2023;57(4):344-349
344-349
180
In memoriam of Maria Stanyukovich (30.01.1960-28.05.2023)
Parazitologiâ. 2023;57(4):350-352
350-352
136