Parasitic metazoans of wild rodents (Mammalia) from Mexico. Geographic distribution and host spectrum

Abstract

Among the most common animal lifestyles, parasitism stands out, often occurring in groups that also include free-living organisms. Among metazoans, helminths and arthropods include a large number of parasitic species. The objective of the present study was to compile, update and list for the first time all nominal species of metazoans that infect and infest wild rodents, analyzing their geographic distribution, defining the state of the art, and suggesting possible avenues of research that will allow us to complete the knowledge of the group. A total of 3,909 records of metazoan parasites of 204 rodent species were obtained from the 32 states of Mexico. Estado de México (Mexico) and Oaxaca were the states with the greatest parasite richness. At a national level, this richness is composed of 70 nominal species of helminths, 204 of mites, 40 of anoplurans, 67 of chewing lice, and 136 species of fleas.