Notes on African Haemaphysalis Ticks. XII. H. (Rhipistoma) zumpti sp. n., a Parasite of Small Carnivores and Squirrels in Southern Africa (Ixodoidea: Ixodidae)

Abstract

Haeniaphysalis (Rhipistoma) zumpti sp. n., a small, distinctive member of the H. (R.) leachi group, is described from numerous adult and immature samples from a variety of ecological conditions up to 5,000 ft altitude between 33 and 13? S in eastern regions of the Republic of South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, and Malawi. Host records include 10 species in 9 genera: a ground squirrel (Xerus), a bush squirrel (Paraxerus), 4 viverrids (Cynictis, Suricata, Genetta, Herpestes), a mustelid (Ictonyx), a protelid (Proteles), and a felid (Felis). In certain areas, this species appears to be specially adapted to life in burrow systems excavated by ground squirrels and inhabited also by the yellow mongoose and other small carnivores. Here H. (R.) zumpti has optimal opportunities to acquire and transmit pathogens among 2 or more kinds of mammals. Haemaphysalis (Rhipistoma) zumpti sp. n., a distinctive member of the H. (R.) leachi group, is described from adults and immatures from the Republic of South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, and Malawi. In some areas, this species appears to be specially adapted to life in burrow systems excavated by ground squirrels and inhabited also by the yellow mongoose and other small carnivores. From the nature and variety of recorded hosts, more detailed biological and epidemiological investigations of H. (R.) zumpti should be especially rewarding. Haemaphysalis (Rhipistoma) zumpti sp. n. Zumpt's southern Africa haemaphysalid (Figs. 1-35)