南西諸島における医動物学的研究予報 : 1. 奄美大島南部の恙虫相について

抄録

Investigation of the fauna of medically important animals in the southern Amami-Island was done from September 1971,mainly around Mt. Yuwan, and the results of the (annual) investigation on trombiculid mites are presented here. 1. Unengorged larvae were mainly collected from the soil. 12 genera and 27 species were identified, among which 13 species have been known, while the others are considered to be new species. Descriptions of the new species are to be reported in another paper. 2. Genus Schoengastia which has not previously been reported from Japan, and many other species which destributed in South East Asia were found. 3. Existence of Leptotrombidium scutellare, the main vector species of Tsutsugamushi-disease on the Izu seven islands and in some parts of the main land of Japan, was found. 4. 7 genera, 18 species were found from the nest hole of Amami-hare, Pentalagus furnessi (Stone, 1900), the most important host of trombiculid mites. 5. Several species of trombiculid mites are considered to be specific parasites of Amami-hare. Most of the species of trombiculid mites were found at Mt. Yuwan, where primeval forests and the conservation of the natural environment protect Amami-hare and other small animals, which are hosts of these mites. 6. Four species of trombiculid mites, which had usually been found from birds, were collected from soil in the breeding habitats of sea birds.