Ixodes albignaci Uilenberg and Hoogstraal: description of the male, nymph, and larva, and distribution and hosts in Madagascar (Acarina: Ixodidae).

Abstract

The male, nymph, and larva of Ixodes albignaci Uilenberg & Hoogstraal are described from recent collections, mostly associated with females, from Microgale talazaci Major, the most frequently recorded host. In addition to this shrewlike insectivore of the family Tenrecidae, Rattus rattus (Linnaeus), which has become widely distributed in many ecological situations in Madagascar, is parasitized by I. albignaci . This parasite is now known from 3 forested areas of northern and eastcentral Madagascar.