Ectoparasites on bats (Gamasida, Ixodida, Diptera) in Biscay (N lberian peninsula)

Abstract

A study on ectoparasites infesting Chiroptera in Biscay (N lberian peninsula) was carried out during a distribution survey of bats. 160 potential hosts were examined and 664 ectoparasites were found, collected manually from living bats by means of pointed tweezers. The ectoparasites belonged to 12 species and 2 subspecies: 5 species and 2 subspecies of Gamasida, 2 species of lxodida and 5 species of Diptera. First records in the study area were obtained for Eyndhovenia euryalis euryalis, Eyndhovenia euryalis oudemansi, Argas vespertilionis and Penicillidia dufouri. Spinturnix plecotina on Rhinolophus ferrumequinum and Rhinolophus euryale and lxodes vespertilionis on Myotis nattereri are reported for the first time in the lberian peninsula; Basilia nattereri is new on Myotis nattereriin Biscay. Associations between parasites and hosts are also reported.