A review of Cummingsia Ferris (Mallophaga: Trimenoponidae), with a description of two new species.

Abstract

Descriptions and illustrations are given for the four previously recognized species of Cummingsia: C. inopinata Méndez, C. intermedia Werneck, C. maculata Ferris, and C. peramydis Ferris; and for two new species: C. albujai from Caenolestes fuliginosus (Tomes) and C. perezi from Caenolestes convelatus Anthony, both from Ecuador. A key is provided for the identification of these six species. Acanthomenopon Harrison is recognized as a subgenus to contain a single species, C. peramydis, parasitic on the marsupial genus Monodelphis. The subgenus Cummingsia contains the other five species which are parasitic on the marsupial genera Caenolestes, Lestoros, and Marmosa, and the rodent genera Thomasomys and Handleyomys [note “Marmosa” dryas is now Grailinanus dryas; “Marmosa” incana is now Marmosops incanus. The type host of C. inopinata, originally reported as Thomasomys laniger is now Handleyomys intectus.]