Entomology, Ornithology & Herpetology: Current Research
Open Access

Bassini-Silva R

Publications

• Research
  A New Species of Pit Mite (Trombidiformes: Harpirhynchidae) from the South American Rattlesnake (Viperidae): Morphological and Molecular Analysis
  Author(s): Mendoza-Roldan JA, Barros-Battesti DM, Bassini-Silva R, Jacinavicius FC, Nieri-Bastos FA, Franco FL and Marcili A Mendoza-Roldan JA, Barros-Battesti DM, Bassini-Silva R, Jacinavicius FC, Nieri-Bastos FA, Franco FL and Marcili A
  
  Background: Mites of the genus Ophioptes, parasitize a wide range of snakes’ species worldwide. Pit mites develop in capsules inside the connective tissue or scales of their hosts and all stages have a genital-anal opening with no connection to the midgut. To this date, there are 15 known species, of which five occur in the Neotropical region. In South America four species have been described from Colubrid snakes. Methods: Mites were collected from the chin shields and infralabial area of the head, and the anterior third portion of the snake. Comparisons of South American species of pit mites are provided for identification purposes. SEM imaging and illustration were made to provide morphological details of the new species. DNA extraction, sequencing, and phylogeny inference were performed of the new mite species and other spe.. View More»
  DOI: 10.4172/2161-0983.1000201

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