Ecological aspects of ectoparasites' infestation in the yellow-necked mouse (Apodemus flavicollis: Rodentia, Muridae) from Transylvania (Romania)

摘要

Apodemus flavicollis is the most widely spread and abundant rodent in the woodlands of Romania. It inhabits all types of forests as well as open areas in their vicinity. Data on ectoparasites hosted by A. flavicollis were collected from 339 animals captured in 10 areas across Transylvania, beginning with the year 2004. Prevalence of ectoparasites was 78.2%. Four groups of ectoparasites were found, namely Acarina (including Ixodoidea), Siphonaptera, Anoplura, and Coleoptera. Among parasite taxa, mites (Gamasidae and Trombiculidae) were most common, followed by fleas, ticks, lice, and beetles. The effect of some biotic and abiotic variables (locality, altitude, season, year, host age and sex) was tested using Pearson chi-square test of independence. Geographic position (altitude and site) did not affect significantly prevalence of the ectoparasites when all taxa were pooled together. Time (season and year) on the other hand, has a significant effect, with a decrease in prevalence from spring to winter.