Evolutionary history of mammalian sucking lice (Phthiraptera: Anoplura) |
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Authors: | Jessica E Light Vincent S Smith Julie M Allen Lance A Durden David L Reed |
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Affiliation: | (1) Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, Texas A&M University, 77843 College Station, Texas, USA;(2) Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, 32611 Gainesville, Florida, USA;(3) Entomology Department, Natural History Museum, SW7 5BD London, UK;(4) Department of Biology, University of Florida, 32611 Gainesville, Florida, USA;(5) Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University, 30460 Statesboro, Georgia, USA |
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Abstract: | Background Sucking lice (Phthiraptera: Anoplura) are obligate, permanent ectoparasites of eutherian mammals, parasitizing members of 12 of the 29 recognized mammalian orders and approximately 20% of all mammalian species. These host specific, blood-sucking insects are morphologically adapted for life on mammals: they are wingless, dorso-ventrally flattened, possess tibio-tarsal claws for clinging to host hair, and have piercing mouthparts for feeding. Although there are more than 540 described species of Anoplura and despite the potential economical and medical implications of sucking louse infestations, this study represents the first attempt to examine higher-level anopluran relationships using molecular data. In this study, we use molecular data to reconstruct the evolutionary history of 65 sucking louse taxa with phylogenetic analyses and compare the results to findings based on morphological data. We also estimate divergence times among anopluran taxa and compare our results to host (mammal) relationships. |
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