Laelaps manguinhosi facts for kids

Laelaps manguinhosi is a tiny creature known as a parasitic mite. It belongs to a family of mites called Laelapidae. Parasitic mites are small animals, similar to ticks or spiders, that live on or inside other animals. They get their food from their host, which is the animal they live on.

What is Laelaps manguinhosi?

Laelaps manguinhosi is a specific type of mite. It was first described by a scientist named Fonseca in 1936. These mites are very small and can only be seen clearly with a microscope. They are important in nature because they are part of the food web and interact with many different animals.

Where Do These Mites Live?

Laelaps manguinhosi mites have been found in several parts of the world. In the United States, they have been discovered in states like Florida, Texas, and South Carolina. They also live in countries like Argentina, Mexico, and Venezuela. This shows that they can adapt to different environments.

Who Are Their Hosts?

These mites are parasites, which means they need a host animal to survive. Their main hosts are usually small mammals, especially rodents.

Rodents in North America

In the United States, Laelaps manguinhosi is often found on the marsh rice rat (Oryzomys palustris). In Mexico, they have been found on other types of rice rats, like Oryzomys couesi, and also on Handleyomys melanotis.

Rodents in South America

In Argentina, these mites have been recorded on several kinds of rodents. These include Scapteromys aquaticus, Akodon azarae, Oligoryzomys flavescens, and Holochilus brasiliensis. In Venezuela, they mostly infect two types of rodents: Holochilus sciureus and different species of Nectomys. Interestingly, in Venezuela, they have also been found on other kinds of mammals and even on a bird! This shows they can sometimes live on different hosts than usual.

Different Types of Laelaps manguinhosi

Sometimes, a species can have slightly different groups within it, called subspecies. A special subspecies of this mite, named Laelaps manguinhosi calvescens, has been found. This subspecies lives on a specific type of rodent called Neusticomys venezuelae, which is an ichthyomyine rodent. Ichthyomyine rodents are a group of rodents that are often found near water.

Why Study Parasitic Mites?

Scientists study parasitic mites like Laelaps manguinhosi to understand how they affect their hosts and the environment. Learning about these mites helps us understand animal health and how different species interact in nature. It's like solving a puzzle to see how all living things are connected.