Demodex sinocricetuli: New Species of Hair Follicle Mite (Acari: Demodecidae) from the Chinese Form of the Striped Hamster, Cricetulus barabensis (Rodentia: Muridae)

Abstract

Demodex sinocricetuli sp. nov. is described in all its life stages from the Chinese form of the striped hamster, Cricetulus barabensis. A large sample size of > 11,500 mites (96% adults and only 4% ova and immatures) was surveyed. The cause of the apparent reproductive stasis is not known. Limited data sets from other demodecid species reveal populations that are 42-82% adult.