Phylogenetics and host associations of Fahrenholzia sucking lice (Phthiraptera: Anoplura)

Abstract

Abstract Mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequence data were used to reconstruct phylogenetic relationships for eleven of the twelve currently recognized species of Fahrenholzia, lice found only on rodents of the family Heteromyidae. Field collections included twenty of the thirty‐three known host associations and resulted in the discovery of four new associations. Phylogenetic analyses of the mitochondrial and nuclear datasets were in general agreement, resulting in a well‐resolved Fahrenholzia phylogeny. Analyses supported the monophyly of lice parasitizing the host subfamily Heteromyinae (spiny pocket mice). Lice parasitizing the genera Chaetodipus (pocket mice) and Perognathus (silky pocket mice) each represent monophyletic lineages. Phylogenetic patterns and levels of genetic differentiation suggest that the widespread Fahrenholzia pinnata may contain several cryptic species. Cryptic species may exist also within the less widely distributed species, Fahrenholzia microcephala and Fahrenholzia reducta.