The Roof Rat, Rattus rattus, in Virginia

被引:0
|
作者
Eckerlin, Ralph P. [1 ]
Berends, Paige [2 ]
Downing, Cassidy [2 ]
Galbreath, Kurt E. [2 ]
机构
[1] Northern Virginia Community Coll, Math Sci & Technol Div, Annandale, VA 22003 USA
[2] Northern Michigan Univ, Biol Dept, 1401 Presque Isle Ave, Marquette, MI 49855 USA
基金
美国国家科学基金会;
关键词
D O I
10.1656/045.029.0211
中图分类号
X176 [生物多样性保护];
学科分类号
090705 ;
摘要
We collected a single specimen of Rattus rattus (Roof Rat) in Highland County, VA, a previously unknown locality for the species. We collected ecto- and endoparasites, including the louse Polyplax spinulosa, the tick Dermacentor variabilis (American Dog Tick), and the nematode Aspicularis americana. which we archived along with the host voucher specimen. Sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene confirmed the rodent species identification based on comparisons to R. rattus sequences available in the GenBank database. Herein we review specimen records of Roof Rats and Rattus norvegicus (Brown Rat). Both species have a deep history in Virginia, but Roof Rats appear to have declined in coastal cities, while Brown Rats have become more common in those areas. Roof Rats apparently persist in rural relictual populations such as that identified in Highland County.
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页码:N40 / N45
页数:6
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