New data on distribution of Demodex huttereri Mertens, Lukoschus et Nutting, 1983 and topical specificity and topography of demodectic mites in striped field mouse Apodemus agrarius

Localization of three species of mites belonging to Demodecidae family (Acari, Prostigmata) in striped field mouse Apodemus agrarius (Pallas, 1771) was analyzed. Occurrence of Demodex agrarii Bukva, 1994, D. arvicolae apodemi Hirst, 1918 and D. huttereri Mertens, Lukoschus et Nutting, 1983 was established. This is the first time when D. huttereri was found in Poland. Earlier cases of occurrence of that particular species were only recorded for striped field mice in Germany. Out of these three species, the predominant one was D.a. apodemi found in 78% of studied mice. This species inhabited hair follicles of common hairs; however, D.a. apodemi significantly demonstrated topographical preferences, and its occurrence was mostly limited to the head (74%) and genital-anal region (18%). In the remaining hairy body parts, only individual specimens were observed. D. agrarii, which has been associated solely with external auditory meatus, was observed in the ear region in 8% of the hosts. D. huttereri, which inhabits Meibomian glands, was observed in the region of eyelids in 6% hosts. In striped field mouse, demodectic mites demonstrate significant topographical preferences that are conditioned not only by tissue/topical specificity, but also by transmission ways between hosts.