Abstract
The thelastomatoid fauna of Macropanesthia rhinoceros was examined from 13
localities across its range in Queensland, Australia. Nine species of
thelastomatoids, including two representing new genera, Geoscaphenema
megaovum n. g., n. sp. and Jaidenema rhinoceratum n. g., n. sp., were found.
Macropanesthia rhinoceros is reported as a new host for seven species
previously recorded from Panesthia cribrata (Blaberidae: Panesthiinae) and
P. tryoni tryoni, viz, Blattophila sphaerolaima, Leidynemella fusiformis,
Cordonicola gibsoni, Travassosinema jaidenae, Coronostoma australiae,
Hammerschmidtiella hochi and Desmicola ornata. Overall estimated richness
for the system ranged from 10.1-13.5 species. The high degree of parasite
faunal overlap between M. rhinoceros and the two Panesthia species is
surprising given the disparate ecological niches that they occupy; P.
cribrata and P. tryoni tryoni burrow in, and feed upon, moist decaying wood
and require a climate that is moist all year round, whereas M. rhinoceros
burrows in loose soil, feeds on fallen leaf litter and is tolerant of much
drier environments.