ORCID Profile
0000-0001-7785-6067
Current Organisation
James Cook University
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Publisher: Wiley
Date: 26-01-2020
DOI: 10.1111/JZO.12756
Publisher: Canadian Science Publishing
Date: 2017
Abstract: Here we identify, for the first time, a generalist orange parasitic mite found on multiple small-mammal species in Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada. Results from 18S rRNA sequencing suggest that these mites may belong to the family Trombiculidae (Acari: Trombidiformes), although morphological and additional genetic analyses are needed to confirm this identification. The presence of these mites was associated with lower body condition in North American red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus (Erxleben, 1777)), suggesting that these mites may be a detriment to fitness in small mammals or are more successful when targeting in iduals in poorer condition. A lack of sex-biased host infection, emergence dates outside of the host reproductive season, and stability of mite prevalence across study years indicate mite population dynamics may be driven predominantly by factors external from host status, such as climatic conditions or habitat preference. Future research should focus on providing additional reliable identification of these mites, as well as broadening our knowledge on their range, pathogenicity, and impact on small-mammal community dynamics.
Publisher: Canadian Science Publishing
Date: 12-2020
DOI: 10.1139/AS-2019-0023
Abstract: Morphological differentiation and relationships among collared lemmings (Dicrostonyx Gloger, 1841) remain unclear. This issue is particularly important in the Kivalliq Region, Nunavut, Canada, where Dicrostonyx groenlandicus (Traill, 1823) and Dicrostonyx richardsoni Merriam, 1900 ranges overlap. Possible sympatry of both species obscures the taxonomic status of collared lemmings from this area. We compared 2D outline shapes of the skull and three upper molars of collared lemmings collected from seven areas of the Canadian Arctic, including specimens from the Baker Lake – Aberdeen Lake area, in the Kivalliq Region, and Dicrostonyx hudsonius (Pallas, 1778) as an outgroup. Multivariate analyses revealed two distinct groups when considering the molars: D. hudsonius, and the remainder of lemmings. Dicrostonyx richardsoni, D. groenlandicus, and the lemmings from the Baker Lake – Aberdeen Lake area showed significant differences, especially when considering skull shapes, thus suggesting three distinct groups. However, skull shapes proved inefficient in discriminating between species. These differences suggest that collared lemmings from the Baker Lake – Aberdeen Lake area may not be correctly assigned to either of the two species without further genetic evaluation. They also suggest that these lemmings should have a peculiar taxonomic status. Our study calls for further taxonomical investigations for collared lemmings from the overlapping distribution ranges of D. groenlandicus and D. richardsoni.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 21-01-2019
No related grants have been discovered for Elliott Schmidt.