Sharifiella theilerae ( Hoogstraal, 1953 ), 2025

Sharifiella theilerae ( Hoogstraal, 1953) new combination

Synonyms: Haemaphysalis theilerae Hoogstraal, 1953 .

Type-host: Tenrec ecaudatus (Schreber) ( Afrosoricida : Tenrecidae ).

Other hosts: Setifer setosus (Schreber) ( Afrosoricida : Tenrecidae ).

Type-locality: Madagascar: ex-Province de Toliara, Région Anosy, Bemangidy.

Other localities: Madagascar: ex-Province d’Antananarivo, Région Analamanga, Réserve Spéciale d’Ambohitantely, along trail of Sentier Botanique; ex- Province d’Antsiranana, Région DIANA, Parc National de la Montagne d’Ambre, Grand Lac, 12 km SW de Joffreville (Ambohitra); ex-Province de Fianarantsoa, Région Atsimo-Atsinanana, W slope Mt Ambatobe, 1.2 km ENE Ampatramary, 9.5 km NE Midongy-Sud; ex-Province de Fianarantsoa, Région Haute Matsiatra Region, 25 km S of Fianarantsoa, Mandalahy, Parc National d’Andringitra, Forêt de Ravaro , 12.5 km SW Antanifotsy; ex-Province de Mahajanga, Région Melaky, Commune de Beravina , Mahajeby Forest , Réserve Spéciale d’Ambohijanahary, 21.8 km ESE Beravina; ex-Province de Toamasina, Région Alaotra-Mangoro, Commune d’Andasibe, Sahandambo, Andasibe; ex-Province de Toamasina, Région Analanjirofo, 40 km NE of Maroantsetra; ex-Province de Toliara, Région Anosy, Parc National d’Andohahela, 13.5 km NW d’Eminiminy, Site 3; ex-Province de Toliara, Région Menabe, Commune Ankiliabo, Ankatrakatroka Forest , 18 km WNW Ambivy (village) .

Type-material: Holotype male, from T. ecaudatus , Madagascar: ex-Province de Toliara, Région Anosy, Bemangidy (~ 24°34’S, 47°12’E), 23.xi.1948, H. Hoogstraal (HH); deposited in the USNTC ( USNMENT 00714371 View Materials ); studied by DAA GoogleMaps . Allotype female, from T. ecaudatus , Madagascar: ex-Province de Fianarantsoa, Région Haute Matsiatra, Mandalahy (~ 21°15’S, 47°13’E), 28.i.1952, V. J. Tipton ( VJT); deposited in the USNTC ( USNMENT 00714479 View Materials ); studied by DAA GoogleMaps . Paratypes: 10 males, 12 nymphs, and 4 larvae. Madagascar: ex-Province de Toliara, Région Anosy, Bemangidy , 6 males, 10 nymphs, and 4 larvae, from T. ecaudatus , 23.xi.1948, HH, USNMENT 00861286, 00861287, 01784469 (4 males, 7 nymphs, and 3 larvae); ex-Province de Fianarantsoa, Région Haute Matsiatra, Mandalahy : 2 males, from T. ecaudatus , 28.i.1952, VJT, USNMENT 01784463 ; ex-Province de Fianarantsoa, Région Haute Matsiatra , 25 km south of Fianarantsoa (~ 21°41’S, 47°5’E) GoogleMaps : 1 male, from S. setosus , 12.i.1952, USNMENT 01784464; ex-Province de Fianarantsoa, Région Haute Matsiatra, Tanandavy ( Ambohimahasoa ) (~ 21°06’S, 47°12’E) GoogleMaps : 1 male and 2 nymphs, from T. ecaudatus , 30.i.1952, VJT, depository is not specified. According to Hoogstraal (1953) the paratypes were deposited in the United States National Museum ( USA); Museum of Comparative Zoology , Harvard University (USA); Rocky Mountain Laboratory, Hamilton, Montana ( USA); British Museum ( Natural History ) (UK); Division of Veterinary Services , Onderstepoort (South Africa); Field Museum of Natural History Museum (USA), and Harry Hoogstraal collection. Supposedly all paratype specimens in the United States National Museum, Rocky Mountain Laboratory, and Harry Hoogstraal collection are now in the USNTC (we found total 7 males, 7 nymphs, and 3 larvae), listed with the USNMENT numbers above and were examined by DAA. We did not verify the existence of other paratypes (3 males, 5 nymphs, and 1 larva) in the mentioned collections .

Other material: One hundred one males, 28 females, 65 nymphs, and 4 larvae examined. Madagascar: ex-Province d’Antananarivo, Région Analamanga , Réserve Spéciale d’Ambohitantely , along trail of Sentier Botanique (~ 18°11’S, 47°17’E), 1,600 m alt.: 13 males, 6 females, and 20 nymphs, from T. ecaudatus ( SMG 18783 ), 23.x.2014, A. P. Raselimanana, USNMENT 01784462 (7 males, 3 females, and 10 nymphs) and FMNHINS 4755004 (6 males, 3 females, and 10 nymphs); ex-Province d’Antsiranana, Région DIANA GoogleMaps , Parc National de la Montagne d’Ambre (~ 12°35’S, 49°9’E): 3 females and 1 nymph, from T. ecaudatus , xii.1965, G. Randrianasolo, USNMENT 01784467, 01784468; ex- Province d’Antsiranana, Région DIANA GoogleMaps , Parc National de la Montagne d’Ambre, Grand Lac, 12 km SW de Joffreville ( Ambohitra ) (~ 12°36’S, 49°10’E), 1,350 m alt.: 54 males, 1 female, and 22 nymphs, from T. ecaudatus ( RTL 366 ), 13.iv.2009, L. T GoogleMaps . Ramanana ( RTL), USNMENT 01784461 (27 males and 11 nymphs) and FMNHINS 4755001 (27 males, 1 female, and 11 nymphs); ex-Province de Fianarantsoa, Région Atsimo-Atsinanana, W slope Mt Ambatobe, 1.2 km ENE Ampatramary, 9.5 km NE Midongy-Sud (~ 23°30’S, 47°3’E), 650 m alt.: 5 males, from T. ecaudatus ( LEO 161 ), 11.ii.2003. S.M. Goodman ( SMG) and L.E. Olson ( LEO), USNMENT 01784457 (3 males) GoogleMaps and FMNHINS 4754998 (2 males); same locality and altitude: 1 male, 1 female, 14 nymphs, and 4 larvae, from T. ecaudatus ( SMG 13963 ), 12.ii.2003, SMG and LEO, USNMENT 01784456 (7 nymphs and 2 larvae) GoogleMaps and FMNHINS 4754997 (1 male, 1 female, 7 nymphs, and 2 larvae); ex-Province de Fianarantsoa, Région Haute Matsiatra, Parc National d’Andringitra, Forêt de Ravaro , 12.5 km SW Antanifotsy (~ 22°12’S, 46°50’E), 1,500 m alt.: 16 males and 13 females, from T. ecaudatus ( SMG 11402 ), 13.i.2000, SMG, USNMENT 01784455 (8 males and 7 females) GoogleMaps and FMNHINS 4754996 (8 males and 6 females); ex-Province de Mahajanga, Région Melaky, Commune de Beravina, Mahajeby Forest , Réserve Spéciale d’Ambohijanahary , 21.8 km ESE Beravina (~ 18°16’S, 45°24’E), 1,020 m alt.: 1 male, from T. ecaudatus ( ZR 145 ), 20.ii.2006, Z. Rakotomalala ( ZR), FMNHINS 4754999 GoogleMaps ; ex-Province de Toamasina, Région Alaotra-Mangoro, Commune d’Andasibe, Sahandambo (~ 18°50’S, 48°28’E), 910 m alt.: 1 female, from T. ecaudatus (TMR 1709) , 14.xii.2014, T GoogleMaps . M. Randriamoria ( TMR), FMNHINS 4754994 ; same locality and altitude: 2 males and 6 nymphs, from T. ecaudatus (TMR 1748) , 16.xii.2014, TMR, FMNHINS 4754995 ; ex-Province de Toamasina, Région Alaotra-Mangoro, Andasibe (~ 18°55’S, 48°25’E): 1 nymph, from T. ecaudatus , ii.1969, E. R GoogleMaps . Brygoo, USNMENT 01784466; ex-Province de Toamasina, Région Analanjirofo , 40 km NE of Maroantsetra (~ 15°20’S, 49°45’E), 274 m alt.: 6 males and 2 females, from T. ecaudatus , 15.i.1945, C.S. Webb, USNMENT 01784465 GoogleMaps ; ex-Province de Toliara, Région Anosy, Parc National d’Andohahela, 13.5 km NW d’Eminiminy, Site 3 (~ 24°35’S, 46°44’E), 1,200 m alt.: 1 female, from T. ecaudatus ( RTL 492 ), 7.xi.2009, RTL, FMNHINS 4755002 GoogleMaps ; same locality and altitude: 1 nymph, from T. ecaudatus ( RTL 493 ), 7.xi.2009, RTL, FMNHINS 4755003 GoogleMaps ; ex-Province de Toliara, Région Menabe, Commune Ankiliabo, Ankatrakatroka Forest , 18 km WNW Ambivy (village) (~ 21°27’S, 43°52’E), 70 m alt.: 3 males, from T. ecaudatus ( ZR 200 ), 16.i.2007, ZR, USNMENT 01784460 (2 males) and FMNHINS 4755000 (1 male). All tick specimens with USNMENT numbers are deposited in the USNTC GoogleMaps , those with FMNHINS are in FMNH.

Etymology: The species is named after South African parasitologist and tick expert, Gertrud Theiler (1897– 1986).

Redescription. Male [Based on 109 specimens; Figs. 4–6 View FIGURE 4 View FIGURE 5 View FIGURE 6 .] Conscutum ( Fig. 4A–C View FIGURE 4 ) length from scapular apices to posterior margin 1.66–2.02 (1.87 ± 0.09; n = 38), width 1.12–1.40 (1.24 ± 0.06; n = 38), ratio 1.36–1.64 (1.50 ± 0.06; n = 38), broadly suboval, widest near or slightly anterior to mid-length; scapulae short, blunt; cervical grooves faint, very shallow; lateral grooves very short, distinct only slightly anterior to festoon I or sometimes indistinct, not enclosing festoons; eleven distinct festoons; punctations distinct, moderately dense, slightly denser in caudal field, uniform in distribution, small and shallow, providing relatively smooth appearance to conscutum; setae moderately sparse, short (c. 0.01) and poorly distinct ( Fig. 4A–C View FIGURE 4 ). Genital apron medial to coxae II, with numerous short denticles on posterior margin ( Figs. 4D View FIGURE 4 , 5A View FIGURE 5 ); venter ( Fig. 4D View FIGURE 4 ) almost entirely covered by leathery sclerotized plates: median plate limited by postgenital sclerite anteriorly, genital groove laterally and anal groove posteriorly; pair of accessory plates extend from level of apron to festoons II, limited by coxae, spiracular plates and festoons I and II laterally and genital groove medially; pair of adanal plates limited by anal groove anteromedially, genital groove anterolaterally, festoons posteriorly, separated from each other by postanal groove; postgenital sclerite ( Fig. 5B View FIGURE 5 ) broadly subrectangular, nearly twice as broad as long, posteriorly fused with median plate. Spiracular plates ( Fig. 6A View FIGURE 6 ) length 0.15–0.24 (0.19 ± 0.02; n = 38), width 0.16–0.22 (0.19 ± 0.02; n = 38), ratio 0.90–1.10 (1.00 ± 0.05; n = 38); ratio length of spiracular plate to length of festoon I 0.78–1.14 (0.98 ± 0.10; n = 34), subcircular and standing out on thick unperforated base; perforated portion broadly subtriangular with short and broad dorsal prolongation.

Gnathosoma ( Fig. 6B–D View FIGURE 6 ) length from palpal apices to posterior margin of basis capituli dorsally 0.43–0.49 (0.46 ± 0.02; n = 38), width of gnathosoma between lateral projection of palpal segments II dorsally 0.31–0.39 (0.35 ± 0.02; n = 32), ratio 1.20–1.47 (1.32 ± 0.07; n =32). Dorsal basis capituli ( Fig. 6B View FIGURE 6 ) length 0.13–0.17 (0.14 ± 0.01; n = 38), width 0.30–0.35 (0.32 ± 0.01; n = 38), ratio width to length 1.95–2.48 (2.23 ± 0.13; n = 38); transversally subrectangular with subparallel lateral margins, posterior margin convex; cornua indistinct, as very slight ridges, situated anterior to posterior margin of basis capituli. Ventral basis capituli ( Fig. 6C View FIGURE 6 ) subrectangular. Palpi ( Fig. 6B–D View FIGURE 6 ) long and elongatedly narrow, length dorsally (segments I–III) 0.29–0.33 (0.31 ± 0.01; n = 38), width 0.10–0.14 (0.12 ± 0.01; n = 38), ratio 2.37–3.00 (2.61 ± 0.16; n = 38); combined palpi not extending or very slightly extending beyond basis capituli laterally; ratio combined palpal width to basis capituli width 1.00–1.20 (1.09 ± 0.05; n = 32); segment I well-developed, rectangular dorsally and ventrally; segment II narrow proximally, lateral margin abruptly widening at its mid-length forming distinct broadly triangular lateral projection; segment III dorsally subrectangular; short ventral spur of segment III nearly as long as broad, with broadly rounded apex. Hypostome ( Fig. 6C View FIGURE 6 ) moderately long, broadly rounded at apex; dental formula 3/3 throughout hypostomal length, with approximately 6 larger denticles in file; denticles in innermost file twice smaller than denticles in other files; distal denticulated portion (considering only larger denticles) occupies slightly more than half of hypostomal length.

Legs moderately long, slender. Coxae ( Fig. 6E, F View FIGURE 6 ): coxa I with long external spur and distinct, moderately short, broadly rounded internal spur; coxae II and III each with long external spur and very broad, ridge-like internal spur; coxa IV with long external spur only; external spur on coxae I–IV subequal in length, narrowly triangular with narrowly rounded or sharply pointed apex, directed posteriorly. Trochanter I ( Fig. 6G View FIGURE 6 ) with relatively short, broadly triangular dorsal spur, with narrowly rounded to pointed apex; trochanters I–IV ( Fig. 6E View FIGURE 6 ) without spurs ventrally. Tarsi I–IV distinctly humped dorsoapically, with short ventroapical spur.

Female [Based on 29 specimens; Figs. 7–9 View FIGURE 7 View FIGURE 8 View FIGURE 9 .] Idiosoma ( Fig. 7 View FIGURE 7 ) of slightly engorged specimen broadly suboval, widest approximately at mid-length. Scutum ( Figs. 7A View FIGURE 7 , 8A–C View FIGURE 8 ) length 1.04–1.24 (1.14 ± 0.05; n = 22), width 1.06– 1.26 (1.14 ± 0.06; n = 22), ratio 0.92–1.13 (1.00 ± 0.06; n = 22); very broadly suboval, diverging in anterior 1/4 and gradually converging to very broadly rounded, sometimes nearly straight posterior margin; cervical grooves distinct, broad and shallow, extending to posterior third of scutal length; punctations distinct, relatively sparse, uniform in distribution, small and shallow, giving scutum smooth appearance; setae ( Figs. 7A View FIGURE 7 , 8A–C View FIGURE 8 ) sparse, short (c. 0.01), distributed as figured. Setae of alloscutum ( Figs. 7A View FIGURE 7 , 8A–C View FIGURE 8 ) numerous, evenly distributed, slightly longer than scutal setae, length of setae in center of alloscutum c. 0.02. Genital aperture ( Figs. 7B View FIGURE 7 , 8D, E View FIGURE 8 ) medial to border between coxae II and III, narrowly U-shaped with broadly rounded posterior margin, lateral margins straight and slightly convergent, genital sclerites indistinct. Spiracular plates ( Fig. 9A View FIGURE 9 ) length 0.22–0.27 (0.25 ± 0.01; n = 22), width 0.24–0.29 (0.27 ± 0.02; n = 22), ratio 0.88–1.02 (0.93 ± 0.03; n = 22), broadly suboval and standing out on thick unperforated base; perforated portion broadly subtriangular with very short and broad dorsal prolongation.

Gnathosoma ( Fig. 9B–D View FIGURE 9 ) length from palpal apices to posterior margin of basis capituli dorsally 0.54–0.65 (0.61 ± 0.03; n = 22), width of gnathosoma between lateral projection of palpal segments II dorsally 0.42–0.53 (0.49 ± 0.03; n = 15), ratio 1.18–1.37 (1.26 ± 0.05; n = 15). Dorsal basis capituli ( Fig. 9B View FIGURE 9 ) length 0.14–0.20 (0.18 ± 0.02; n = 22), width 0.43–0.51 (0.47 ± 0.02; n = 22), ratio width to length 2.39–3.00 (2.67 ± 0.19; n = 22); broadly transversally subrectangular, with slightly converging lateral margins; posterior margin nearly straight or very slightly sinuous; cornua indistinct, posterolateral corners situated slightly anteriorly to posterior margin; porose areas subcircular, with no clear circumscribed borders, deeply indented, separated by distance nearly 1.5 times their width.Ventral basis capituli ( Fig. 9C View FIGURE 9 ) subrectangular. Palpi ( Fig. 9B–D View FIGURE 9 ) long and elongatedly narrow, length dorsally (segments I–III) 0.40–0.46 (0.43 ± 0.02; n = 22), width 0.14–0.17 (0.16 ± 0.01; n = 22), ratio 2.55–3.00 (2.79 ± 0.13; n = 22); combined palpi not extending or very slightly extending beyond basis capituli laterally; ratio combined palpal width to basis capituli width 0.93–1.10 (1.03 ± 0.04; n = 15); segment I well-developed, rectangular dorsally and ventrally; segment II narrow proximally, lateral margin abruptly widening at its mid-length forming distinct broadly triangular lateral projection; segment III dorsally subrectangular; short ventral spur of segment III nearly as long as broad, with broadly rounded apex. Hypostome ( Fig. 9C View FIGURE 9 ) moderately long, broadly rounded at apex; dental formula 3/3 throughout hypostomal length, with approximately 7 larger denticles in file; denticles in innermost file twice smaller than denticles in other files; distal denticulated portion (considering only larger denticles) occupies slightly more than half of hypostomal length.

Legs moderately long, slender. Coxae ( Fig. 9E, F View FIGURE 9 ): coxa I with moderately long external spur and distinct, shorter, broadly rounded internal spur; coxae II and III with moderately long external spur and very broad, sometimes poorly distinct internal ridge corresponding to internal spur; external spur of coxae I–IV subequal in length, narrowly triangular external spur with narrowly rounded or sharply pointed apex, directed posteriorly or very slightly posteromedially. Trochanter I ( Fig. 9G View FIGURE 9 ) with relatively short, broadly triangular dorsal spur, with narrowly rounded to pointed apex; trochanters I–IV ( Fig. 9E View FIGURE 9 ) without spurs ventrally. Tarsi I–IV distinctly humped dorsoapically, with short ventroapical spur.

Nymph [Based on 72 specimens; Figs. 10 View FIGURE 10 , 11 View FIGURE 11 .] Idiosoma ( Fig. 10A, C View FIGURE 10 ) of slightly fed specimens broadly suboval, widest anterior to mid-length. Scutum ( Fig. 10A, B View FIGURE 10 ) length 510–575 (549 ± 23; n = 6), width 560–615 (591 ± 21; n = 6), ratio 0.88–0.96 (0.93 ± 0.03; n = 6); very broadly suboval, diverging in anterior slightly less than 1/4 and gradually converging to very broadly rounded posterior margin; cervical grooves distinct, narrow and relatively shallow, extending to scutal mid-length; small punctations very sparse; setae ( Fig. 10A, B View FIGURE 10 ) sparse, short (c. 17), distributed as figured. Setae of alloscutum ( Fig. 10A, B View FIGURE 10 ) moderately sparse, evenly distributed, nearly as long as scutal setae, length of setae in center of alloscutum c.17. Spiracular plates ( Fig. 11A View FIGURE 11 ) suboval, with largest dimension oriented dorsoventrally, standing out on thick unperforated base.

Gnathosoma ( Fig. 11B–D View FIGURE 11 ) length from palpal apices to posterior margin of basis capituli dorsally 290–320 (305 ± 11; n = 6), width of basis capituli dorsally 250–275 (258 ± 9; n = 6), ratio 1.16–1.24 (1.18 ± 0.03; n = 6). Dorsal basis capituli ( Fig. 11B View FIGURE 11 ) broadly subtriangular with blunt lateral apices; posterior margin slightly convex; cornua indistinct. Ventral basis capituli ( Fig. 11C View FIGURE 11 ) broadly subrectangular; one pair of posthypostomal setae and one pair of setae at posterolateral margin ventrally. Palpi ( Fig. 11B–D View FIGURE 11 ) long and elongatedly narrow, length dorsally (segments I–III) 210–235 (222 ± 10; n = 6), width 75–85 (79 ± 3; n = 6), ratio 2.76–2.88 (2.80 ± 0.04; n = 6); segment I well-developed, subrectangular dorsally and ventrally; segment II narrow proximally, lateral margin abruptly widening at its mid-length forming distinct broadly triangular lateral projection; segment III subrectangular dorsally and ventrally with broadly rounded apex; short and broad ventral spur of segment III with broadly rounded apex; clear suture between palpal segments II and III; palpal segment I with one pair of setae ventrally, palpal segment II with 5 pairs of dorsal and 4 pairs of ventral setae, segment III with 5 pairs of dorsal and 2 pairs of ventral setae. Hypostome ( Fig. 11C View FIGURE 11 ) moderately long, length from level of posthypostomal setae to apex 200–210 (205 ± 4; n = 5), maximal width 80–88 (83 ± 3; n = 5), ratio 2.34–2.63 (2.47 ± 0.13; n = 5); broadly rounded at apex; dental formula 2/2 throughout hypostomal length, with approximately 5 or 6 larger denticles in file; distal denticulated portion (considering only larger denticles) occupies slightly more than half of hypostomal length.

Legs moderately long, slender. Coxae ( Fig. 11E, F View FIGURE 11 ): coxa I with long external spur and short broadly rounded internal spur; external spur on coxae I–IV long, subequal in length, narrowly triangular with narrowly rounded or sharply pointed apex. Trochanters I–IV ( Fig. 11E View FIGURE 11 ) without spurs ventrally. Tarsus I length 245–268 (256; n = 4); tarsus IV length 235–248 (243 ± 5; n = 6).

Larva [Based on 7 specimens; Figs. 12 View FIGURE12 , 13 View FIGURE 13 ] Idiosoma ( Fig. 12A, C View FIGURE12 ): slightly fed specimens broadly suboval, widest anterior to mid-length. Scutum ( Fig. 12A, B View FIGURE12 ): length from scapular apices to posterior margin 275–330 (302; n = 3), maximal width 350–375 (361; n = 3), ratio 0.79–0.88 (0.84; n = 3); subcircular, posterior margin broadly rounded, posterolateral marginal depressions indistinct; cervical grooves deep and narrow anteriorly, faint and shallow posteriorly. Setae 3 pairs, Sc 2 16–17 (16; n = 2), Sc 3 14 (n = 1). Dorsal setae of alloscutum 10 pairs; 2 pairs of central dorsals, Cd 1 17–18 (18; n = 2), Cd 2 15–16 (16; n = 2); 8 pairs of marginal dorsals, Md 1 12–17 (15; n = 2), Md 8 14 (n = 2). Ventral setae 14 pairs plus 1 pair on anal valves; 3 pairs of sternals, St 1 28–35 (32; n = 2); 2 pairs of preanals, Pa 1 18 (n = 1), Pa 2 18–21 (20; n = 2); 4 pairs of premarginals, Pm 1 18 (n = 1); 5 pairs of marginal ventrals, Mv 1 14–16 (15; n = 2), Mv 4 16–19 (18; n = 2).

Gnathosoma ( Fig. 13A–C View FIGURE 13 ): length from palpal apices to posterior margin of basis capituli dorsally 205–248 (225; n = 3), width of basis capituli dorsally 173–183 (179; n = 3), ratio 1.19–1.36 (1.25; n = 3). Basis capituli ( Fig. 13A–C View FIGURE 13 ) broadly subtriangular with blunt lateral projections dorsally; cornua lacking; posterior margin nearly straight, curving anteriorly towards lateral projections; ventrally basis capituli subhexagonal; auriculae lacking; 1 pair of posthypostomal setae. Palpi ( Fig. 13A–C View FIGURE 13 ): long and elongatedly narrow, length 148–165 (156; n = 2), width 45–50 (48; n = 2), ratio 3.28–3.30 (3.29; n = 2); combined palpi not extending beyond basis capituli laterally; segment I well-developed, rectangular dorsally and ventrally; suture between palpal segments II and III distinct only ventromedially; segment II narrow proximally, lateral margin abruptly widening at its mid-length forming distinct broadly triangular lateral projection; palpal segment III broadly rounded at anterior apex; posteroventral spur of palpal segment III short, triangular; segment I without setae, segments II with 4 dorsal and 2 pairs of ventral setae, segment III with 5 dorsal and 1 pairs of ventral setae. Hypostome ( Fig. 12D View FIGURE12 ): length from apex to level of posthypostomal setae 140 (n = 1), width 48 (n = 1), ratio 2.95 (n = 1); blunt at apex; dental formula 2/2; 5 larger denticles in files; distal denticulated portion (considering only larger denticles) occupies nearly half of hypostomal length.

Coxae ( Fig. 13D, E View FIGURE 13 ): coxa I with long external spur and very short knob-like internal spur; external spur on coxae I–III long, subequal in length, narrowly triangular with narrowly rounded apex. Tarsus I length 178–180 (179; n = 2); tarsus III length 170–173 (171; n = 2).

Remarks. By lacking eyes, having subtriangular with blunt lateral apices basis capituli dorsally, narrowly elongated palpi, second palpal segment with slight lateral salience at its mid-length, and external and internal spur on coxa I, S. theilerae can be distinguished from any other ixodid tick for male, female, nymph or larva life-stages. These and other characters allow confident recognition of this genus and species. One of the most interesting morphological features of males of S. theilerae is that their venter is covered with leathery sclerites.

Collection data for S. theilerae are listed in the material above. Based on studied material this species is confined to Madagascar and with a broad distribution across the island (ex-provinces of Antananarivo, Antsiranana, Fianarantsoa, Mahajanga, Toamasina, and Toliara) ( Fig. 14 View FIGURE 14 ). Where indicated, the collections were made between 70 and 1,600 meters above sea level. Practically all adults and immature stages of this species were collected from the tail-less tenrec, Tenrec ecaudatus , whereas only a single male was taken from the greater hedgehog tenrec, Setifer setosus . Collections of adults were made during January, February, April, and October–December; nymphs were collected during February, April, and October–December, whereas larvae were found during February and November. In addition to our studied material there are only a few additional records of this tick species ( Uilenberg et al., 1979).