Dasypus Novemcinctus Research Articles

Discrete typing units of Trypanosoma cruzi identified in rural dogs and cats in the humid Argentinean Chaco

The discrete typing units (DTUs) of Trypanosoma cruzi that infect domestic dogs and cats have rarely been studied. With this purpose we conducted a cross-sectional xenodiagnostic survey of dog and cat populations residing in 2 infested rural villages in Pampa del Indio, in the humid Argentine Chaco. Parasites were isolated by culture from 44 dogs and 12 cats with a positive xenodiagnosis. DTUs were identified from parasite culture samples using a strategy based on multiple polymerase-chain reactions. TcVI was identified in 37 of 44 dogs and in 10 of 12 cats, whereas TcV was identified in 5 dogs and in 2 cats -a new finding for cats. No mixed infections were detected. The occurrence of 2 dogs infected with TcIII -classically found in armadillos- suggests a probable link with the local sylvatic transmission cycle involving Dasypus novemcinctus armadillos and a potential risk of human infection with TcIII. Our study reinforces the importance of dogs and cats as domestic reservoir hosts and sources of various DTUs infecting humans, and suggests a link between dogs and the sylvatic transmission cycle of TcIII.

Spike, the Mixed-Up Monster (review)

Reviewed by: Spike, the Mixed-Up Monster Jeannette Hulick Hood, Susan . Spike, the Mixed-Up Monster; illus. by Melissa Sweet. Wiseman/Simon, 2012. 34p. Trade ed. ISBN 978-1-4424-0601-8 $16.99 E-book ed. ISBN 978-1-4424-5243-5 $12.99 R 5-8 yrs. Spike thinks he's one tough monster, with his "slithery tail," "spiky crown," and "stumpy teeth." Unfortunately his tiny size ("no bigger than a lily pad") means the other animals (el pato, el armadillo, and el campañol) find him more adorable than alarming, much to Spike's shame. When Spike—whom endnotes reveal to be a Mexican axolotl—stands up to a "real monster" (a Gila monster, who in fact just wants directions to his cousin's fiesta), the other animals gain new respect for the little guy. There's a pleasantly folkloric cast to this short, simple story; there's also considerable animal-story appeal, since readers can find out "More about Spike and His Amigos" at the book's end with photos and compelling factual tidbits depicting and describing the axolotl, gila monster, mexican vole, cinnamon teal duck, and nine-banded armadillo. A glossary of the Spanish words that are used is also included, and the bilingual aspect and informative end matter both serve to broaden the book's educational use. Sweet's gently comic watercolor, gouache, collage, and mixed-media illustrations feature plenty of aquatic blues and greens, and their subtle textures and details add interest. Use this in a lesson on unusual animals, Mexican fauna, or possibly include it in a monster-themed storytime to throw a nonfiction twist into that popular theme. Copyright © 2012 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois

Molecular evolution of the neurohypophysial hormone precursors in mammals: Comparative genomics reveals novel mammalian oxytocin and vasopressin analogues

Among vertebrates the neurohypophysial hormones show considerable variation. However, in eutherian mammals they have been considered rather conserved, with arginine vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin (OT) in all species except pig and some relatives, where lysine vasopressin replaces AVP. The availability of genomic data for a wide range of mammals makes it possible to assess whether these peptides and their precursors may be more variable in Eutheria than previously suspected. A survey of these data confirms that AVP and OT occur in most eutherians, but with exceptions. In a New-World monkey (marmoset, Callithrix jacchus) and in tree shrew (Tupaia belangeri), Pro8OT replaces OT, confirming a recent report for these species. In armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) Leu3OT replaces OT, while in tenrec (Echinops telfairi) Thr4AVP replaces AVP. In these two species there is also evidence for additional genes/pseudogenes, encoding much-modified forms of AVP, but in most other eutherian species there is no evidence for additional neurohypophysial hormone genes. Evolutionary analysis shows that sequences of eutherian neurohypophysial hormone precursors are generally strongly conserved, particularly those regions encoding active peptide and neurophysin. The close association between OT and VP genes has led to frequent gene conversion of sequences encoding neurophysins. A monotreme, platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) has genes for OT and AVP, organized tail-to-tail as in eutherians, but in marsupials 3–4 genes are present for neurohypophysial hormones, organized tail-to-head as in lower vertebrates.

Analysis, Diagnosis and Prognosis of Leprosy Utilizing Fuzzy Classifier

Leprosy (Hensen’s Disease) is an infectious disease that progressively deteriorates over time and is associated with mycobacterium leprae (M.leprae). Although human-to-human transmission is the primary source of infection, three other species can carry and (rarely) transfer M.leprae to humans: chimpanzees, mangabey monkeys, and nine-banded armadillos. The early signs and symptoms of leprosy are very subtle and occur slowly (usually over years), which includes; numbness (loss of temperature sensation), skin lesions, weakness, anesthesia, paralysis, epistaxis, skin bumps, deformity (face, hand and foot), eye damage (dryness and reduced blinking), loss of digit, enlarged earlobes, conjunctivitis and Iridocyclitis. In this paper, the traditional procedure of the medical diagnosis of Leprosy employed by physicians is expressed using Fuzzy classifier. The proposed expert system eliminates uncertainty and imprecision associated with the diagnosis of Leprosy.

Food of the ArmadilloDasypus novemcinctusL. from Cumberland Island, GA

We provide a review of Dasypus novemcinctus (Nine-banded Armadillo) food studies and report on the diet on Cumberland Island, GA. Major invertebrate foods eaten by Armadillos on Cumberland Island were ants (19.3%); beetles, adults and larvae (27.4 %); centipedes (6.5%); lepidopterans, mostly larvae (caterpillars, 13.2%); millipedes (5.7%); spiders (2.1%); and sowbugs (2.2%). Vertebrates eaten (1.9% volume) were mostly frogs and lizards. Plant material comprised about 12% of the volume, including much fruit such as Melia azedarach (China Berry), Vitis (grapes), Ampelopsis arborea (Pepper Vine), and Serenoa repens (Saw Palmetto). The subterranean fungi, Endogonaceae, were eaten by 23.9% of the Armadillos, comprising 1.6% of the volume of their diet. The millipede Narceus sp. appears to have been greatly reduced, based on the significant reduction of this species as a component of the gut content over three decades. This reduction could be due to Armadillo predation. Ants, scarabaeid adults and larvae, and spiders also showed significant decreases during the period of study, which could be a result of Armadillo predation. A number of items—elaterid larvae, crickets, caterpillars, centipedes, sowbugs, and Endogonaceae—showed significant increases as components of Armadillo stomachs, but it is not known whether these changes might be related to Armadillo predation. The increases could have been due to other causes such as habitat or climatic changes.

Effects of predator exclusion on nest and hatchling survival in the gopher tortoise

AbstractGopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) populations are declining throughout the Southeast, and high levels of predation on nests and juveniles have been suggested as a potential contributor to this decline. Therefore, we documented gopher tortoise nest success and hatchling survival relative to mammalian predator control. We used 4, large (approx. 40‐ha) fenced, predator exclosures to exclude mid‐sized mammalian predators: bobcat (Lynx rufus), raccoon (Procyon lotor), Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginianus), fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteusandVulpes vulpes), coyote (Canis latrans), nine‐banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus), and skunk (Mephitis mephitis); 4 unfenced plots served as controls. We monitored nests for survival through hatching and used radio‐telemetry to examine hatchling survival. We radio‐tracked 40 hatchlings for up to 329 days, but we were only able to track 8 individuals from a single nest at an unfenced plot because of high nest predation. Mean nest survival was greater at exclosures than at unfenced controls (F1, 2 = 45.80,P = 0.0001). Hatchling survival differed (χ2 = 5.839,P = 0.016) between unfenced plots (37.5%) and exclosures (74.4%), suggesting that mammals also were significant predators of hatchlings. The number of juvenile (<13 cm in diameter) and subadult tortoise burrows (13–21.9 cm) increased over a 6‐year period in exclosures, providing further support for an effect of excluding mammalian predators on nest and juvenile tortoise survival. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.

Trypanosoma cruzi III from armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus novemcinctus) from Northeastern Venezuela and its biological behavior in murine model. Risk of emergency of Chagas’ disease

Trypanosoma cruzi, etiological agent of Chagas’ disease, was isolated from armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus novemcinctus) captured in rural communities Northeastern Venezuela from Nueva Esparta State (no endemic for Chagas’ disease), Monagas and Anzoátegui States (endemics). The isolates, genetically typed by PCR–RFLP as belonging to the TcIII DTU, have demonstrated in murine model heterogenic parasitemia, mortality and histotropism with marked parasitism in cardiac, skeletal, and smooth myocytes that showed correlation with lymphobasophilic inflammatory infiltrates. Our finding of T. cruzi infected armadillos in Isla Margarita (Nueva Esparta State), together with reports of triatomine vectors in this region, the accentuated synanthropy of armadillos, intense economic activity, migration due to tourism and the lack of environmental education programs all of them represent risks that could cause the emergence of Chagas’ disease in this area. This is the first report of the TcIII DTU in Northeastern Venezuela, thus widening the geographic distribution of this DTU.

Detection ofParacoccidioidesspp. in environmental aerosol samples

Taking into account that paracoccidioidomycosis infection occurs by inhalation of the asexual conidia produced by Paracoccidioides spp. in its saprobic phase, this work presents the collection of aerosol samples as an option for environmental detection of this pathogen, by positioning a cyclonic air sampler at the entrance of armadillo burrows. Methods included direct culture, extinction technique culture and Nested PCR of the rRNA coding sequence, comprising the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region. In addition, we evaluated one armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) as a positive control for the studied area. Although the pathogen could not be isolated by the culturing strategies, the aerosol sampling associated with molecular detection through Nested PCR proved the best method for discovering Paracoccidioides spp. in the environment. Most of the ITS sequences obtained in this investigation proved to be highly similar with the homologous sequences of Paracoccidioides lutzii from the GenBank database, suggesting that this Paracoccidioides species may not be exclusive to mid-western Brazil as proposed so far.

The sylvatic transmission cycle of Trypanosoma cruzi in a rural area in the humid Chaco of Argentina

Little is known about the sylvatic transmission cycle of Trypanosoma cruzi in the Gran Chaco ecoregion. We conducted surveys to identify the main sylvatic hosts of T. cruzi, parasite discrete typing units and vector species involved in Pampa del Indio, a rural area in the humid Argentinean Chaco. A total of 44 mammals from 14 species were captured and examined for infection by xenodiagnosis and polymerase chain reaction amplification of the hyper-variable region of kinetoplast DNA minicircles of T. cruzi (kDNA-PCR). Ten (22.7%) mammals were positive by xenodiagnosis or kDNA-PCR. Four of 11 (36%) Didelphis albiventris (white-eared opossums) and six of nine (67%) Dasypus novemcinctus (nine-banded armadillos) were positive by xenodiagnosis and or kDNA-PCR. Rodents, other armadillo species, felids, crab-eating raccoons, hares and rabbits were not infected. Positive animals were highly infectious to the bugs that fed upon them as determined by xenodiagnosis. All positive opossums were infected with T. cruzi I and all positive nine-banded armadillos with T. cruzi III. Extensive searches in sylvatic habitats using 718 Noireau trap-nights only yielded Triatoma sordida whereas no bug was collected in 26 light-trap nights. Four armadillos or opossums fitted with a spool-and-line device were successfully tracked to their refuges; only one Panstrongylus geniculatus was found in an armadillo burrow. No sylvatic triatomine was infected with T. cruzi by microscopical examination or kDNA-PCR. Our results indicate that two independent sylvatic transmission cycles of T. cruzi occur in the humid Chaco. The putative vectors of both cycles need to be identified conclusively.

Spermatogenesis is seasonal in the large hairy armadillo, Chaetophractus villosus (Dasypodidae, Xenarthra, Mammalia)

Very little is known about the distinct reproductive biology of armadillos. Very few studies have investigated armadillo spermatogenesis, with data available only for Euphractus sexcinctus and Dasypus novemcinctus. In the present study, we analysed male germ cell differentiation in the large hairy armadillo Chaetophractus villosus throughout the year, describing a cycle of the seminiferous epithelium made of eight different stages. Evaluation of the testis/body mass ratio, analysis of the architecture of the seminiferous epithelium and the frequency of defective seminiferous tubules allowed identification of a temporal interruption of spermatogenesis during the period between mid-May to July (mid-end autumn) in correlation with very low testosterone levels. Overall, these results suggest that spermatogenesis is seasonal in C. villosus.

Temporal Aspects of Leprosy Infection in a Wild Population of Nine-Banded Armadillos

Although Dasypus novemcinctus (Nine-banded Armadillo) is the only ver- tebrate other than humans to exhibit naturally occurring infections with Mycobacterium leprae, the causative agent in producing leprosy, little is known about patterns of infection in wild populations. Here we provide data on some temporal aspects of infection, obtained from sampling a population of armadillos in western Mississippi from 2005-2010. Annual prevalence of infection varied between 4.5-15%. Incidence density estimates calculated over progressively longer time intervals generated values ranging from 0.11-0.61 new cases of infection/1000 animal days. Of 77 animals that tested seropositive over the course of the study, 14 (18.2%) were seropositive in two consecutive years. Four of these animals were seropositive in three consecutive years, but no armadillos tested positive in >3 straight years. Finally, the proportion of seropositive animals increased with the number of years in- dividuals were enrolled in the study. Together, these data indicate a substantial potential for transmission of infection within this population and confi rm the view of leprosy as a slow- acting disease that is largely manifested in older individuals.

The fetomaternal interface in the placenta of three species of armadillos (Eutheria, Xenarthra, Dasypodidae)

BackgroundPlacental characters vary among Xenarthra, one of four supraordinal clades of Eutheria. Armadillos are known for villous, haemochorial placentas similar to humans. Only the nine-banded armadillo has been well studied so far.MethodsPlacentas of three species of armadillos were investigated by means of histology, immunohistochemistry including proliferation marker, and transmission and scanning electron microscopy.ResultsThe gross anatomy differed: Euphractus sexcinctus and Chaetophractus villosus had extended, zonary placentas, whereas Chaetophractus vellerosus had a disk. All taxa had complex villous areas within the maternal blood sinuses of the endometrium. Immunohistochemistry indicated the validity of former interpretations that the endothelium of the sinuses was largely intact. Tips of the villi and the columns entering the maternal tissue possessed trophoblast cell clusters with proliferation activity. Elsewhere, the feto-maternal barrier was syncytial haemochorial with fetal vessels near the surface.ConclusionsDifferences among armadillos occurred in regard to the extension of the placenta, whereas the fine structure was similar. Parallels to the human suggest that armadillos are likely to be useful animal models for human placentation.

Genetic structure and diversity of the nine-banded armadillo in Mexico

The structure and genetic diversity of a widely distributed species in a recently colonized area is influenced by the colonizing lineages, life-history traits, and biotic and abiotic factors. The connection established during the Pliocene between North and South America allowed the nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus )t o expand its distributional range northward. High levels of genetic diversity have been recorded in South America, whereas low levels have been detected in populations in the United States, perhaps due to a founder effect during colonization. By sampling animals from Mexico and a few other areas, we test the hypothesis that armadillos in North America were derived from a single founding lineage, and assess whether this newly colonized region shows demographic signatures of expansion. We sequenced the mitochondrial control region of 157 individuals and genotyped microsatellites of 116 individuals. Our mitochondrial results showed 2 divergent lineages with high genetic variation in Mexico when compared to United States populations, suggesting that this species has a higher effective population size in Mexico. Samples from Central and South America indicate that both lineages differentiated prior to their arrival in Mexico. Lineages showed a historical demographic expansion, due probably to the large area of colonization. Clear genetic structure was observed with mitochondrial DNA, whereas microsatellites showed low levels of genetic differentiation. This contrasting pattern can be caused by male-biased dispersal. We conclude that North American populations of D. novemcinctus are derived from 2 founding lineages and show the consequences of the Great American Biotic Interchange influencing genetic patterns in the nine-banded armadillo in Mexico.

Development of the integument of Dasypus hybridus and Chaetophractus vellerosus, and asynchronous events with respect to the postcranium

The integument of extant armadillos (Xenarthra, Cingulata) is a unique organ in which complex glandular systems are associated with pilose follicles, dermal ossifications, and cornified scales. Up to date, papers have focused on neither comparative morphology of the skin (dorsal and ventral) nor chronology of the development of interspecific homolog structures. In order to clarify the way in which events occur during development of the integument structures, maturity of other tissues (e.g. skeletal tissues) should be considered. Therefore, we will be able to identify events that have been pre- or post-displaced during ontogenetic development. The aim of this paper is to describe in a developmental and comparative framework the integumentary system of neonates of Dasypus hybridus and Chaetophractus vellerosus. In order to understand the morphology of the different integumentary structures serial histological sections were prepared. Staining techniques included H–E, Masson Trichrome, PAS, orcein and reticulin. To study ossification of postcranial elements, the specimens were cleared and double-stained with alcian blue and alizarin red. Determinations of ossification centers and their progress were recorded through the early uptake of alizarin. The dorsal dermis of neonates from D. hybridus is clearly differentiated into a superficial and deep layer, as in fetuses of Dasypus novemcinctus. In C. vellerosus, however, these layers could not be identified. This suggests a less connective tissue differentiation in the latter species at this stage. Osteoderms in D. hybridus are well differentiated unlike C. vellerosus where no condensations of osteoprogenitory cells are observed. Conversely, pilose follicles and glandular tissues are less developed in D. hybridus. Regarding postcranial elements, ossification centers are less advanced in C. vellerosus than D. hybridus, this is particularly notorious for the vertebral column, sternal, and pelvic girdle elements. Asynchronies between neonates of both species observed on integumentary and postcranial skeletal tissues could match with specific adaptive strategies related to distribution in different environments, and/or different postnatal care.

The zoogeomorphic characteristics of burrows and burrowing by nine-banded armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus)

Burrowing animals act like a geomorphic disturbance, changing the environment through soil excavation, landform creation and bioturbation. The potential zoogeomorphic effects of these actions include modification of surficial features, increased soil erosion, changes in the growth and distribution of vegetation, and modifications to soil fertility. The burrowing ninebanded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) migrated to North America prior to the 1850s and has since continued to expand its habitat to the American Southeast and parts of the Midwest. Little data are available on the zoogeomorphic impact of the burrowing nature of this species, making it difficult to predict future implications of this animal as it continues to migrate into new regions. On the University of South Alabama campus, in Mobile, Alabama, armadillos are present on a 35-hectare unprotected forested preserve used by the university community for outdoor activities and research. To understand the potential zoogeomorphic impact of armadillo burrows on the local environment, morphometric measurements were recorded on 187 burrows located in the study area. Using dimensions of burrow entrances and minimum lengths of tunnels in calculations, armadillos excavated approximately 0.029m3 to 0.04m3 of soil from each burrow. The entrances to burrows averaged 33.5° in slope and tended to be located in a microhabitat of a fallen tree, exposed tree roots, or a sideslope. Persistent fall of forest litter and anthropogenic modifications makes positive identification of spoil mounds possible in approximately half of the burrow sites. Surface modification by armadillos is ongoing in the study area with over half of the burrows classified as active during the four-month project. We concluded that, for southern Alabama, armadillos prefer to excavate burrows into sideslopes, and that given the lack of ground cover, sandy soil, and humid climate, armadillos are an important zoogeomorphic agent in the region.

The armadillo: a model for neuropathy of leprosy and potentially other neurodegenerative diseases

Leprosy (also known as Hansen’s disease) is an infectious peripheral neurological disorder caused by Mycobacterium leprae that even today leaves millions of individuals worldwide with life-long disabilities. The specific mechanisms by which this bacterium induces nerve injury remain largely unknown, mainly owing to ethical and practical limitations in obtaining affected human nerve samples. In addition to humans, nine-banded armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus) are the only other natural host of M. leprae, and they develop a systemically disseminated disease with extensive neurological involvement. M. leprae is an obligate intracellular parasite that cannot be cultivated in vitro. Because of the heavy burdens of bacilli they harbor, nine-banded armadillos have become the organism of choice for propagating large quantities of M. leprae, and they are now advancing as models of leprosy pathogenesis and nerve damage. Although armadillos are exotic laboratory animals, the recently completed whole genome sequence for this animal is enabling researchers to undertake more sophisticated molecular studies and to develop armadillo-specific reagents. These advances will facilitate the use of armadillos in piloting new therapies and diagnostic regimens, and will provide new insights into the oldest known infectious neurodegenerative disorder.

Hansen's Disease (Leprosy): Current and Future Pharmacotherapy and Treatment of Disease‐Related Immunologic Reactions

Hansen's disease, also known as leprosy, remains an important public health problem throughout the world, including North America. The causative microbe in Hansen's disease is Mycobacterium leprae, an acid-fast organism that is difficult to grow in vitro. The nine-banded armadillo is the major animal reservoir in the United States. Manifestations of disease vary based on host immune response and can range from tuberculoid to lepromatous leprosy (paucibacillary to multibacillary disease). Hansen's disease typically affects the skin, nerves, and eyes, and patients may present with skin lesions, weakness, numbness, eye pain, or loss of vision. Definitive diagnosis is based on a combination of physical examination findings and skin biopsy and/or smear. Modern antibacterial therapy typically consists of combinations of dapsone and rifampin with or without clofazimine. Clofazimine is available only as an investigational drug through the National Hansen's Disease Program. Other options include moxifloxacin, ofloxacin, minocycline, and clarithromycin. Hansen's disease is associated with type 1 (reversal) and type 2 (erythema nodosum leprosum) immunologic reactions, during which the disease process appears to worsen dramatically. These reactions may occur at any time before, during, or after treatment. Antibacterial therapy should usually be continued during these reactions. Treatment options for these reactions differ based on clinical manifestations and include corticosteroids, thalidomide, pentoxiphylline, tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, and T cell inhibitors. Prompt diagnosis, antimicrobial therapy, and treatment of reactions dramatically reduce complications of the disease.

Baiting the Nine-banded Armadillo

What is the tastiest treat to tempt an armadillo? Armadillos are one of the most significant nuisance pests in Florida and much of the Southeast. There are no repellents, toxicants, or fumigants registered for use with them. They are good at both burrowing beneath and climbing over fences. There are also no effective methods for baiting them into traps. So, the authors of this 3-page fact sheet set up a test to determine which materials have the greatest potential to serve as bait. Written by Holly K. Ober, Lucas W. DeGroote, and Russell F. Mizell III, and published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, December 2011. Reviewed October 2014. WEC317/UW362: Baiting the Nine-Banded Armadillo (ufl.edu)

Impacto de la ganadería extensiva y cacería de subsistencia sobre la abundancia relativa de mamíferos en la Selva Zoque, Oaxaca, México.

We evaluated the impact of the extensive livestock practices and subsistence hunting on the relative abundance of mammals in the Zoque, forest, Mexico. We used camera-traps, structured questionnaires and visits to different locations. With a total sampling effort of 4,860 trap-days and 54 camera-traps in two periods of sampling (2009 and 2010), we registered 25 mammals and five birds species. From the total number of species, 36.66% are in some category of endangerment by national and international laws. The most abundant species in the region were Bos tauru s / Bos indicus , Tayassu pecari , Cuniculus paca , Pecari tajacu , Dasyprocta mexicana , Tapirus bairdii and Dasypus novemcinctus , while the least abundant were the carnivores in that region. The secondary vegetation was used with greater intensity for domestic livestock and the Pecari tajacu , Urocyon cinereoargenteus and Ortalis vetula ( P < 0.05), while the majority of medium and large mammals and wild birds used the well-preserved jungle fragments with greater intensity. These jungle fragments were of varying sizes and were associated with fruit trees and hunting zones in the region ( P < 0.05). Mammals were mainly utililized for the following reasons in order of importance: 1) as bushmeat, 2) as pets, 3) for their skins, and, 4) for traditional medicine. Finally the extensive livestock practices and subsistence hunting are the main human activities that have a negative effect on wildlife in the Zoque forest.

New Records of the Nine-Banded Armadillo,Dasypus novemcinctus, in Southeast Tennessee, and their Implications

For over 150 years the nine-banded armadillo, Dasypus novemcinctus, has been expanding its range into the southern United States. Previous studies have suggested an average expansion rate of 7.8 km/year, with the fastest expansion rates in the Gulf Coast of Florida at 17.2 km/year and the southern Great Plains at a rate of 11 km/year. Beginning in July 2007, we collected 11 road-killed specimens of D. novemcinctus from southeast Tennessee; one from Hamilton County, one from Rutherford County, three from Marion County, and six from Franklin County. These records represent an extension of approximately 325 km to the east and 375 km to the north of previously published range limits. The new records imply an expansion rate in far excess of previous maximum estimates. The six Franklin County specimens were collected atop the Cum- berland Plateau at elevations of 446, 462, 570, 583 (two specimens), and 606 m asl. These elevation records suggest further northward and eastward expansion of the species is likely. The ecological implications of this increased rate of geographic expansion are discussed.