We describe a case history of larval Hannemania sp. (Acari: Trombiculidae) infestations in two spadefoot toads (Spea spp. Anura: Pelobatidae) captured from playa wetlands in the Southern High Plains, Texas. Hannemania sp. larvae were superficially attached to the skin, not encysted, and dermal changes were not observed. Gross field examinations revealed a presumed occurrence of Hannemania sp. in Spea spp. at four of 24 wetlands in 2003 and 2004. Although other species of amphibians were present (Ambystoma tigrinum mavortium, Bufo cognatus, Bufo debilis insidior, Pseudacris clarkii, Gastrophryne olivacea, Rana blairi, Scaphiopus couchii), investigators did not observe infestations in these species. Future research should focus on identifying this Hannemania to species level and determining if it influences Spea spp. survival.
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1 October 2007
Larval Hannemania sp. Infestations of Spea spp. in the Southern High Plains, Texas, USA
Shannon M. Torrence,
Loren M. Smith,
Scott T. McMurry
Journal of Wildlife Diseases
Vol. 43 • No. 4
October 2007
Vol. 43 • No. 4
October 2007
amphibians
chiggers
Hannemania sp.
playa
Southern High Plains
Spea spp