New data on the prevalence of Trichodectes melis (Phthiraptera, Trichodectidae) on the European badger Meles meles (Carnivora, Mustelidae).

Trichodectes melis is a specific ectoparasite of the European badger Meles meles. Distribution of this chewing louse is little known, although presumably it coincides with the range of its typical host. In Poland, it has been found in only a few stands in the western part of the country. It has recently been observed in the area of the Białowieża Primeval Forest, where 81 specimens of T. melis (48 females, 7 males and 26 nymph forms) were collected from two female European badgers, mainly from the fur of the head area. No symptoms of infestation were observed.

[1]  J. Izdebska,et al.  New data on the parasites of the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) , 2014 .

[2]  J. Izdebska,et al.  Diversity of the parasite fauna of Mus musculus L. (Rodentia, Muridae) from different habitats , 2013, Russian Journal of Ecology.

[3]  J. Izdebska.  Bisonicola sedecimdecembrii (Phthiraptera: Trichodectidae) from European bison – redescription of adults and description of juvenile stages , 2011 .

[4]  L. Lledó,et al.  Prevalence of ectoparasitic arthropods on wild animals and cattle in the Las Merindades area (Burgos, Spain) , 2011, Parasite.

[5]  R. Kowalczyk,et al.  Seasonal and spatial pattern of shelter use by badgersMeles meles in Białowieża Primeval Forest (Poland) , 2004, Acta Theriologica.

[6]  J. Izdebska,et al.  Chewing Lice (Insecta, Phthiraptera) of the White Stork (Ciconia ciconia L.) in Poland , 2009 .

[7]  D. Łupicki,et al.  Arthropods (Acari, Mallophaga, Siphonaptera) collected from Procyon lotor (Linnaeus, 1758) (Mammalia, Carnivora, Procyonidae) in Poland. , 2009, Wiadomosci parazytologiczne.

[8]  D. Macdonald,et al.  The Ectoparasites of the European Badger, Meles meles, and the Behavior of the Host-Specific Flea, Paraceras melis , 1999, Journal of Insect Behavior.

[9]  M. Díaz-López,et al.  Phthiraptera from some wild carnivores in Spain , 1990, Systematic Parasitology.

[10]  S. Kadulski,et al.  Ectoparasites on fallow deer, Dama dama (L.) in Pomerania, Poland , 2004 .

[11]  T. J. Roper,et al.  Ectoparasites and sett use in European badgers , 1996, Animal Behaviour.

[12]  D. Britt.  Possible phoretic association between mallophagan and flea ectoparasites of the badger, Meles meles (L.). , 1982, Annals of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology.