Sucking lice in bandicoot rats with first complete description of Hoplopleura malabarica nymphs

Abstract

Background: Studies of insect biodiversity and parasitism are often based on adult stages, as immature stages are poorly known and often cannot be identified to species level. However, sucking lice (Anoplura) are permanent, hematophagous parasites with single-host life cycles, making it possible to track the occurrence of all life stages. Only the complete identification of all life stages provides a full picture of parasitism, including infestation levels, parasite topography preferences on the host, and host specificity. The detection of different development stages on a host provides strong evidence that lice of a particular species are actively reproducing and completing their life cycle on that host, making full use of its resources. Conversely, the presence of adult lice alone, particularly when found sporadically, may suggest a failed or incidental attempt at host colonization rather than an established parasitic association. Methodology: The description of the nymphal stages of Hoplopleura malabarica is based on specimens of sucking lice from the greater bandicoot rat Bandicota indica from Southeast Asia, specifically from the Vientiane area of Lao PDR. The study used morphometric analysis and scanning microscopy techniques. Results: This study presents the first description of the nymphal stages of Hoplopleura malabarica, an oligoxenous parasite of rodents of the genus Bandicota. In addition, a global checklist of Anoplura parasitizing rodents of the genus Bandicota was provided. Conclusions: The detection of different life stages of lice within the host confirms that they reproduce and develop on a given host species, fully utilizing its resources.