Demodex Zalophi Sp. Nov. (Acari: Demodicidae) From Zalophus Californianus, The California Sea Lion

The study described Demodex zalophi sp. nov., a new species of mite found in the hair follicles of the California sea lion (Zalophus californianus). This mite was characterized by its moderate size and elongate shape, and it caused epithelial destruction and hyperkeratinization, likely due to its strong leg claws. The presence of one female and four males within a single keratin sheath suggested a reproductive pattern of arrhenotoky. Specimens were collected from captive sea lions in California, Texas, and Australia, marking the first time a demodicid mite was described from a marine mammal.