INGEOSUR   20376
INSTITUTO GEOLOGICO DEL SUR
Unidad Ejecutora - UE
artículos
Título:
The oldest record of fleas/armadillos interaction as example of bioerosion on osteoderms from the late Miocene of the Argentine Pampas
Autor/es:
TOMASSINI, RODRIGO; TOMASSINI, RODRIGO; EZQUIAGA, MARÍA CECILIA; EZQUIAGA, MARÍA CECILIA; MONTALVO, CLAUDIA; MONTALVO, CLAUDIA
Revista:
International Journal of Paleopathology
Editorial:
ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV
Referencias:
Lugar: Amsterdam; Año: 2016 vol. 15 p. 65 - 68
Resumen:
We describe perforations recognized in mobile osteoderms of the extinct armadillos (Cingulata, Dasypodidae) Chasicotatus ameghinoi (Euphractinae, Eutatini) and Vetelia perforata (Euphractinae, Euphractini), recovered from the late Miocene of Argentine Pampas. We interpret that the trace fossils were produced by fleas, probably corresponding to the genus Tunga (Siphonaptera). These parasites locate in the carapace of the host, perforating the osteoderms by mechanical and chemical processes as the neosome grows. This finding constitutes the oldest record of fleas/armadillos interaction. Also, reflects the antiquity of this important specialization and reinforces the proposal indicating an early co-evolution between these parasites and their hosts. These traces, produced in the bone tissue when the host was still alive, provide new information on the trophic relationships in past ecosystems.