Abstract
Ectoparasites from 45 striped skunks (M. mephitis) and 14 spotted skunks (Spilogale putorius) were collected and identified as were the endoparasites from 15 striped and 7 spotted skunks. These data indicate slight differences in the parasitic fauna of the two species of skunks from this area. Spilogale putorius and Mephitis mephitis, although omnivorous, prefer an insectivorous diet when such is available. Because the food of skunks includes many known and potential intermediate hosts of parasites, a survey of skunks from one specific locality for parasites is of some interest. While some of my findings confirm those made by Stegeman (1939) on skunks from central New York, others are suffi- ciently different to merit their being recorded. ECTOPARASITES
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call