Psorergatoides cf. kerivoulae (Acari: Psorergatidae) induces cutaneous lesions on the wings of Myotis macropus (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae)

Abstract

Psorergatoides Fain is a cosmopolitan genus of microscopic parasitic mites harboured by chiropterans. Eighteen species are currently recognised as valid taxa, recorded from several dozen host species across nine families (Giesen 1990, Baker 2005). Infestations by these mites manifest as lesions in the ears and wings of their hosts but are not considered to be pathogenic. We report cutaneous wing lesions in the Australian endemic large-footed myotis (Myotis macropus Gould) induced by Psorergatoides cf. kerivoulae Fain as an incidental necropsy finding. We discuss the diagnostic challenges associated with this new host-parasite association.