Rhipicephalus microplus larvae: first report in bats, Molossus rufus

Vet Res Commun. 2023 Sep;47(3):1749-1751. doi: 10.1007/s11259-022-10050-5. Epub 2023 Jan 4.

Abstract

Cattle are the main hosts of Rhipicephalus microplus; however, this ixodid can also parasitize other animal species. We collected a specimen of R. microplus larvae from one bat Molossus rufus (Mammalia, Chiroptera) from the Cachoeirinha municipality (29° 56' 52'' S and 51° 5' 43'' W), Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The specimen was taxonomically identified using identification keys (Vargas 2006). This study reports the first occurrence of this species parasitizing insectivorous bats in Brazil.

Keywords: Bat; Brazil; Ixodidae; Rio Grande do Sul; Tick.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brazil
  • Cattle
  • Chiroptera*
  • Larva
  • Rhipicephalus*