Nest associates and ectoparasites of the eastern wood rat, Neotoma floridana, in Indiana

Abstract

Ectoparasites and other invertebrate associates were collected from eastern wood rats, Neotoma floridana, and their nests insouthern Indiana. Although many major associates on wood rats were also common in nests (Androlaelaps fahrenholzi, Ornithonyssus bacoti, Orchopeas sexdentatus, Epitedia cavernicola), attached forms such as ticks (Ixodidae) and chiggers (Trombiculidae) were underrepresented in nest collections. Chortoglyphus arcuatus, Tyrophagus sp., Cheyletus malaccensis, and various oribatid mites were the most abundant mites in nests, while Aplodontopus sp., Eutrombicula alfreddugesi, Ornithonyssus bacoti, and Myocoptes neotomae were the most abundant mites on wood rats. The chigger Eutrombicula alfreddugesi was collected almost exclusively in summer while Euschoengastia spp. and Neotrombicula spp. were more abundant in other seasons. Ticks, chiggers, Myocoptes neotomae, and Aplodontopus sp. demonstrated site specificity on the host.