Demodex aries sp. nov., a sebaceous gland inhabitant of the sheep, Ovis aries, and a redescription of Demodex ovis Hirst, 1919

Abstract

Demodex aries sp. nov. is described from the large perivulvar sebaceous glands of the sheep, Ovis aries. This hair-follicle mite was found in 24% of 25 hosts examined. All hosts were healthy and free of gross dermatological problems. Demodex aries is apparently a low-grade pathogen. A redescription of D. ovis Hirst, 1919 is provided for purposes of distinguishing the two sheep-infesting species.

Keywords:

• Demodex aries
• Demodex ovis
• hairfollicle mites
• sheep ectoparasites