Phylogenetic analyses based on molecular and morphological data reveal a new species ofStrigeaAbildgaard, 1790 (Digenea: Strigeidae) and taxonomic changes in strigeids infecting Neotropical birds of prey

Abstract

AbstractMembers of the genusStrigeaAbildgaard, 1790 are endoparasites of birds distributed worldwide. Adults of an undescribed species of the genusStrigeawere collected from the intestines of two hawk species (Rupornis magnirostrisandAccipiter coperii). Other species identified asParastrigea macrobursathat were described in Argentina were also recovered from two hawk species (Buteogallus urubitingaandButeogallus anthracinus) in three localities along the coasts of Mexico. Specimens of the two species were sequenced for three molecular markers, the internal transcribed spacers locus (ITS1-5.8S rDNA- ITS2) and the domains D1–D3 from the large subunit from nuclear ribosomal DNA and the cytochromecoxidase subunit 1 from mitochondrial DNA. The newly sequenced specimens were aligned with other strigeids sequences downloaded from GenBank. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses inferred with each molecular marker revealed that our specimens ofStrigeasp. formed an independent lineage, which is recognized herein as a new species,Strigea magnirostrisn. sp., representing the first species in Mexico and the 16th in the Neotropical region. Morphologically, the new species is distinguished from other congeneric species from the Americas by having an oral sucker with several papillae around it, well-developed pseudosuckers (118–248 μm), a tegument covered with tiny spines, a larger cone genital (193–361 × 296–637) and a larger copulatory bursa (247–531 × 468–784). Our phylogenetic analyses revealed thatP. macrobursais not closely related to other members of the genusParastrigeaand is nested withinStrigea, suggesting thatP. macrobursashould be transferred toStrigeato formStrigea macrobursan. comb., expanding its distribution range from Mexico to Argentina. Finally, the analyses also revealed that the taxonomy and systematics ofStrigeashould be re-evaluated, combining morphological and molecular characteristics.