Demodex phocidi (Acariformes: Demodecidae) from Phoca vitulina (Carnivora: Phocidae) – the second observation in the world and a supplement to the species description

Authors

  • Joanna N. Izdebska University of Gdansk
  • Leszek Rolbiecki University of Gdansk
  • Karolina Cierocka University of Gdansk
  • Iwona Pawliczka University of Gdansk

Keywords:

Demodecid mites, Pinnipedia, harbor seal, marine mammals, Baltic Sea

Abstract

The present study describes a finding of the demodecid mite Demodex phocidi in the seal Phoca vitulina in the Baltic Sea. This is the first identification in Europe and the second in the world. This is also the first observation of the Demodecidae family in the pinnipeds outside North America. A high density of demodecid mites was observed in the skin of the examined seal, but no symptoms of parasitosis were observed. Our findings also supplement the taxonomic description and morphometry of D. phocidi.

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Published

2020-03-26

How to Cite

Izdebska, J. N., Rolbiecki, L., Cierocka, K., & Pawliczka, I. (2020). Demodex phocidi (Acariformes: Demodecidae) from Phoca vitulina (Carnivora: Phocidae) – the second observation in the world and a supplement to the species description. Oceanological and Hydrobiological Studies, 49(1), 49–55. Retrieved from https://czasopisma.bg.ug.edu.pl/index.php/oandhs/article/view/7752

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