DEMODEX SP IN CALIFORNIA GROUND-SQUIRRELS

An undescribed species of Demodex (Acari: Demodecidae) was observed in hair follicles and ducts of sebaceous glands in the ear canals of sev en California ground squirrels (Spermophilus beecheyi) from Santa Clar a Country, California (USA). The animals had died of unrelated causes and were submitted for necropsy between September 1994 and February 19 96. Similar mites were observed in the lumens of hair follicles and du cts of Meibomian glands in the eyelids of two of these squirrels. Micr oscopic changes in tile epithelium and surrounding dermis, when presen t, were minimal. No associated clinical signs of disease or macroscopi c lesions were observed. To our knowledge, this is the first report of Demodex sp. in a ground squirrel.