Systematic status of Aponomma tachyglossi Roberts (Acari: Ixodidae) from echidnas, Tachyglossus aculeatus, from Queensland, Australia

Abstract

Evidence is presented based on morphological, electrophoretic and behavioural data, and on geographical distribution, that Aponomma tachyglossi Roberts is an independent species parasitic primarily on echidnas. Females of A. tachyglossi are distinguishable from the closely related species A. hydrosauri (Denny), parasitic on reptiles, in the shape of the porose areas, and males by the extent of the punctate areas between the scutum and the festoons. Nymphs and larvae of the two species could not be distinguished. In electrophoretic studies, A. tachyglossi was found to differ from A. hydrosauri at 16% of the 18 loci examined. Larvae of A. tachyglossi failed to attach and engorge on lizards, the usual host of A. hydrosauri. Futhermore, A. tachyglossi was found to have a limited geographical range in coastal areas of central Queensland. These data support the hypothesis that A. tachyglossi is a distinct species.