Occurrence of ectoparasitic flies (Diptera: Streblidae)of bats (Chiroptera: Mammalia) in a semideciduousforest remnant in Northern Paraná, Brazil / Ocorrência de moscas ectoparasitas (Diptera: Streblidae) de morcegos (Chiroptera: Mammalia) em um remanescentede floresta semidecídua no Norte do Paraná, Brasil

This study constitutes the first record of parasitism and associations between bat flies ectoparasite of the Streblidae family and bats (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) in the São Francisco Forest State Park (SFFSP). The bats were captured using mist nets set up at various points along the park's visitor trail. Following collection, the bats were inspected for ectoparasites, which when found were collected with metal tweezers and stored in vials with 70% alcohol to be identified later. The captured bats were subjected to morphometrics so that the information obtained could help identify which bat species was the host of the ectoparasite collected and then they were released. A total of 36 dipterans from the Streblidae family belonging to six species from four genera: Aspidoptera falcata Wenzel, 1976; Aspidoptera phyllostomatis (Perty, 1833); Megistopoda aranea (Coquillett, 1899); Megistopoda proxima (Séguy, 1926); Paratrichobius longicrus (Miranda Ribeiro, 1907) and Trichobius joblingiWenzel, 1966, infesting phyllostomids of four species: Artibeus lituratus (Olfers, 1818); Artibeus planirostris (Spix, 1823); Carollia perspicillata (Linneaus, 1758) and Sturnira lilium (E. Geoffroy, 1810). The most abundant species were Trichobius joblingi (38.89%) and Aspidoptera phyllostomatis(27.78%).

Este estudo constitui o primeiro registro de parasitismo e associações entre moscas ectoparasitas de morcegos da família Streblidae e morcegos (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) no Parque Estadual Floresta São Francisco (PEFSF). Os morcegos foram capturados usando redes de neblina instaladas em vários pontos ao longo da trilha de visitantes do parque. Após a coleta, os morcegos foram inspecionados em busca de ectoparasitas, que, quando encontrados, eram coletados com pinças metálicas e armazenados em frascos com álcool 70% para serem identificados posteriormente. Os morcegos capturados foram submetidos à morfometria para que as informações obtidas pudessem ajudar a identificar qual espécie de morcego era a hospedeira do ectoparasita coletado e, em seguida, foram liberados. Um total de 36 dípteros de Streblidae foram coletados, pertencentes a seis espécies de quatro gêneros: Aspidoptera falcata Wenzel, 1976; Aspidoptera phyllostomatis (Perty, 1833); Megistopoda aranea (Coquillett, 1899); Megistopoda proxima (Séguy, 1926); Paratrichobius longicrus (Miranda Ribeiro, 1907) e Trichobius joblingi Wenzel, 1966, infestando filostomídeos de quatro espécies: Artibeus lituratus(Olfers, 1818); Artibeus planirostris (Spix, 1823); Carollia perspicillata (Linneaus, 1758) e Sturnira lilium (E. Geoffroy, 1810). As espécies mais abundantes foram Trichobius joblingi (38,89%) e Aspidoptera phyllostomatis (27,78%).

Temporal variation in helminth infracommunities of the Gafftopsail pompano, Trachinotus rhodopus (Pisces: Carangidae) off the Pacific coast of Mexico.

Temporal variation of the helminth infracommunity structure in the Gafftopsail pompano Trachinotus rhodopus was studied during bi-monthly revisions of samples collected offshore from Puerto Ángel, Oaxaca (Mexican Pacific) in 2018. In total, 110 specimens of T. rhodopus were subjected to a parasitic review. Helminths found were identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level (six species and three genera) by means of morphological and molecular data. Attributes of the helminth infracommunities are described through statistical analyses, showing stability in terms of their richness throughout the year. However, variations were found in helminth abundance related to the seasonality of samplings, which may be associated with the life cycles of the parasites, the host species' gregarious behavior, the availability of intermediate hosts, and/or the diet of T. rhodopus.

Composition and structure of the parasitic fauna of Hypostomus spp. (Loricariidae: Hypostominae) from a Neotropical river in Brazil.

Hypostomus are abundant in Brazilian rivers and streams. In the Ivaí River, the loricariids represent 20.3% of the total species of the basin. Of these 13 species belong to Hypostomus. However, to date, there are no studies on these fish parasitic fauna. Thus, this research aimed to analyze the distribution of the parasitic infracommunity of six species of Hypostomus from the Ivaí River and investigate how the infracommunity is structured in these hosts. One hundred and twenty-eight fish were analyzed, belonging to six sympatric species of Hypostomus (Hypostomus hermanni, H. cochliodon, H. albopunctatus, H. regani, Hypostomus sp.1, and Hypostomus sp.2); of these, 92.9% were parasitized with at least one taxon, totaling 1478 specimens of parasites. The parasitic fauna was composed of the ectoparasites Trinigyrus anthus, T. carvalhoi, Unilatus unilatus (monogeneans), and Placobdella spp. (hirudinea), and the endoparasites Austrodiplostomum compactum (digenean) and Procamallanus annipetterae (nematode). The parasites exhibited similar patterns of infection in all hosts, including a low number of species, low diversity, and numerical dominance of a group of parasites. However, permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) showed different parasite species compositions among the hosts. Hypostomus cochliodon and H. regani had the highest parasite richness, while Hypostomus sp.1 and Hypostomus sp.2 showed low abundance and intensity of parasitic infections. However, Hypostomus sp.1 showed the highest values of evenness, although the parasite composition in both species did not differ. The results presented herein contribute to increasing the knowledge about the parasitic fauna of Hypostomus spp. from the Ivaí River by presenting new hosts and locality records.

Metazoan Parasite Infracommunities of the Tomtate Grunt (Haemulon aurolineatum) as Potential Bioindicators of Environmental Conditions in the Yucatan Continental Shelf, Mexico.

Metazoan parasites and their hosts experience the environmental influence of the seasonal presence of Western and Eastern subzones with different oceanographic conditions on the Yucatan continental shelf (YS). In addition, natural seeps and oil transport in the area lead to the presence of hydrocarbons. We hypothesized that the parasite infrapopulations and infracommunities of Haemulon aurolineatum will respond to environmental variability related with ongoing oceanographic subzone conditions of the YS. Spatial and multivariate statistical analyses were used to test this hypothesis. For 17 sampling sites along the YS, 55 parasite morphospecies were recovered from 146 fishes. There were significant differences in the number of parasite species between Western and Eastern subzones, but not in the number of parasite individuals. Spatial autocorrelation on environmental variables as a consequence of the Yucatan current was found. Overall, the parasite metrics suggested a region with a good ecosystem health condition naturally influenced by oceanographic processes.

Community ecology of the metazoan parasites of the Atlantic anchoveta, Cetengraulis edentulus (Actinopterygii: Engraulidae) from the Sepetiba Bay, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The Atlantic anchoveta, Cetengraulis edentulus (Cuvier, 1829) is one of the most commercially important fish species in the littoral of Brazil. The present study evaluates the parasitic fauna of this engraulid fish from the southeastern Brazilian coast. Between October 2019 and March 2020, a total of 100 specimens of C. edentulus from the Sepetiba Bay, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (22°57'44"S; 43°52'28"W), were examined. Eighty-five specimens of C. edentulus were parasitized by at least one species of metazoan, with a mean of 4.32 ± 6.12 parasites/fish. Eleven species of parasites were collected: five digeneans, two monogeneans, two copepods, one isopod and one nematode. The nematode Hysterothylacium sp. was the most abundant and dominant species, representing 51.85% of the metazoan parasites collected, showing positive correlation with the host's total length and parasite abundance and prevalence. The mean abundance and prevalence of Hysterothylacium sp. was significantly higher in female hosts. One pair of larval endoparasites showed positive covariation. Centengraulis edentulus represents a new host record for nine species of parasites. A dominance of endoparasitic larval stages is documented in the parasite community of C. edentulus. This may be a function of the feeding habits of engraulid fish, which feed mainly on zooplanktonic organisms. It may also have to do with to the fact that C. edentulus is the intermediate and/or paratenic host of fish parasites, birds, and marine mammals.(AU)

Helminth Parasites of Three Anuran Species during Reproduction and Drought in the Brazilian Semiarid Caatinga Region.

We investigated the mean abundance of helminths and analyzed helminth composition and structure at the infracommunity and component community levels for 3 anuran species (Pleurodema diplolister, Rhinella jimi, and Rhinella granulosa) from the Caatingas, a semiarid Brazilian region characterized by accentuated seasonality and unpredictability of rains. Data were collected during the reproductive period and during drought, when P. diplolister estivated buried underground but R. jimi and R. granulosa remained foraging actively. We expected higher parasitological parameters during the reproductive period when compared to drought for these 3 anurans. We also expected higher parasite infection in the Rhinella species and higher similarity between their helminth parasite communities when compared to the estivating species, P. diplolister. Contrary to our hypothesis, the season was not related to parasite community structure. As predicted, the Rhinella toads shared more similar species composition of parasite communities. These similarities in the composition of the parasite community between Rhinella species could be due to similar temporal/spatial patterns of activity and phylogenetic proximity. Pleurodema diplolister hosted a more restricted helminth fauna, a result that might be associated with estivation restricting the temporal window available to acquire parasites. This study also presents new helminth fauna records for R. jimi and P. diplolister, and the first helminth fauna record of R. granulosa from the Caatingas in semiarid Brazil.

Condition factor and ecology of endohelminths in Metynnis lippincottianus from the Curiaú River, in eastern Amazon (Brazil) / Fator de condição e ecologia de endohelmintos em Metynnis lippincottianus do Rio Curiaú na Amazônia oriental (Brasil)

Fish are among the vertebrate groups most susceptible to parasitic infections due to environmental characteristics that can favor the development of parasites; also, position of the host in food web has been associated with the parasitism. The aim of this study was to investigate the ecology of parasites endohelminth in Metynnis lippincottianus from the Curiaú River, in eastern Amazon (Brazil), as well as to evaluate the parasite-host interactions. From 110 specimens of M. lippincottianus examined, 76.3% were infected by one or more parasite species, and a total of 146 parasites such as Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) inopinatus (Nematoda), larvae of Contracaecum sp. (Nematoda) and Neoechinorhynchus pterodoridis (Acanthocephala) were collected in intestine. However, the dominance was of nematode species, and the parasites had uniform or random dispersion. The parasitic infracommunities showed low Shannon-Wiener diversity (0.2 ± 0.3), low evenness (0.2 ± 0.3) and low species richness of parasites (1.1 ± 0.8). The abundance of Contracaecum sp. presented a weak positive correlation with the weight of hosts, and relative condition factor was not affected by the parasitism. This first study about parasites of M. lippincottianus from Curiaí River basin is the first report of N. pterodoridis for this host.(AU)

Os peixes estão entre os grupos de vertebrados mais suscetíveis as infecções parasitárias devido as características ambientais que podem favorecer o desenvolvimento de parasitos; além disso, a posição do hospedeiro na cadeia alimentar tem sido associada ao parasitismo. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a ecologia de parasitos endohelmintos em Metynnis lippincottianus do Rio Curiaú, na Amazônia oriental (Brasil), bem como avaliar as interações parasito-hospedeiro. De 110 espécimes de M. lippincottianus examinados, 76,3% estavam infectados por um ou mais espécies de parasitos, e um total de 146 parasitos como Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) inopinatus (Nematoda), larvas de Contracaecum sp. (Nematoda) e Neoechinorhynchus pterodoridis (Acanthocephala) foram coletados no intestino. No entanto, a dominância foi de espécies de nematoides, e os parasitos apresentaram dispersão uniforme ou aleatória. As infracomunidades parasitárias apresentaram baixo índice de diversidade de Shannon-Wiener (0,2 ± 0,3), baixa uniformidade (0,2 ± 0,3) e baixa riqueza de espécies (1,1 ± 0,8). A abundância de Contracaecum sp. apresentou correlação positiva fraca com o peso dos hospedeiros e o fator de condição não foi afetado pelo parasitismo. Este primeiro estudo sobre parasitos de M. lippincottianus da bacia do Rio Curiaú é o primeiro relato de N. pterodoridis para este hospedeiro.(AU)

Condition factor and ecology of endohelminths in Metynnis lippincottianus from the Curiaú River, in eastern Amazon (Brazil) / Fator de condição e ecologia de endohelmintos em Metynnis lippincottianus do Rio Curiaú na Amazônia oriental (Brasil)

Fish are among the vertebrate groups most susceptible to parasitic infections due to environmental characteristics that can favor the development of parasites; also, position of the host in food web has been associated with the parasitism. The aim of this study was to investigate the ecology of parasites endohelminth in Metynnis lippincottianus from the Curiaú River, in eastern Amazon (Brazil), as well as to evaluate the parasite-host interactions. From 110 specimens of M. lippincottianus examined, 76.3% were infected by one or more parasite species, and a total of 146 parasites such as Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) inopinatus (Nematoda), larvae of Contracaecum sp. (Nematoda) and Neoechinorhynchus pterodoridis (Acanthocephala) were collected in intestine. However, the dominance was of nematode species, and the parasites had uniform or random dispersion. The parasitic infracommunities showed low Shannon-Wiener diversity (0.2 ± 0.3), low evenness (0.2 ± 0.3) and low species richness of parasites (1.1 ± 0.8). The abundance of Contracaecum sp. presented a weak positive correlation with the weight of hosts, and relative condition factor was not affected by the parasitism. This first study about parasites of M. lippincottianus from Curiaí River basin is the first report of N. pterodoridis for this host.

Os peixes estão entre os grupos de vertebrados mais suscetíveis as infecções parasitárias devido as características ambientais que podem favorecer o desenvolvimento de parasitos; além disso, a posição do hospedeiro na cadeia alimentar tem sido associada ao parasitismo. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a ecologia de parasitos endohelmintos em Metynnis lippincottianus do Rio Curiaú, na Amazônia oriental (Brasil), bem como avaliar as interações parasito-hospedeiro. De 110 espécimes de M. lippincottianus examinados, 76,3% estavam infectados por um ou mais espécies de parasitos, e um total de 146 parasitos como Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) inopinatus (Nematoda), larvas de Contracaecum sp. (Nematoda) e Neoechinorhynchus pterodoridis (Acanthocephala) foram coletados no intestino. No entanto, a dominância foi de espécies de nematoides, e os parasitos apresentaram dispersão uniforme ou aleatória. As infracomunidades parasitárias apresentaram baixo índice de diversidade de Shannon-Wiener (0,2 ± 0,3), baixa uniformidade (0,2 ± 0,3) e baixa riqueza de espécies (1,1 ± 0,8). A abundância de Contracaecum sp. apresentou correlação positiva fraca com o peso dos hospedeiros e o fator de condição não foi afetado pelo parasitismo. Este primeiro estudo sobre parasitos de M. lippincottianus da bacia do Rio Curiaú é o primeiro relato de N. pterodoridis para este hospedeiro.

Helminth Community Structure of the Gray Four-Eyed Opossum Philander opossum (Mammalia: Didelphidae) in the Neotropical Portion of Mexico.

Studies on helminth communities associated with didelphids are scarce; the majority of works have focused at taxonomic level. To increase the ecological knowledge of these host-parasite associations, during March (dry season) of 3 consecutive years (2013-2015) a total of 49 adults of the gray four-eyed opossum (Philander opossum) was collected in the Neotropical portion of Mexico (Agua Fría, Chiapas State) and examined for helminths. The main objectives of this study were to describe the infra- and component communities of helminths associated with P. opossum and to compare the helminth fauna of the Mexican population of this host species with those studied in French Guiana and in other Mexican terrestrial didelphids. The helminthological record of this host consisted of 12 species: 7 taxa of Nematoda, 3 of Trematoda, 1 Cestoda, and 1 Acanthocephala. Eight of the 12 taxa have been previously recorded in Didelphidae and 4 represent accidental infections ( Glossocercus sp., Stomylotrema vicarium, Spirura mexicana and Acanthocephala gen. sp.). Diet of hosts is the main structuring factor of the communities (92% of the helminth species were recruited through ingestion). Forty-eight hosts were parasitized by at least 1 helminth species; Rhopalias coronatus was the most prevalent and abundant species in the hosts sampled. No significant differences were found in global prevalence among the helminth species present in all samplings, considering host sex and year. The dominance exerted by R. coronatus led to low values of evenness and diversity at both community levels. No significant differences were observed in composition of helminth species among the 3 sampling years regarding sex. The results of our study showed changes in helminth abundance at infracommunity level; during the first sampling these changes are explained by species with direct life cycle ( Viannaia sp. and Cruzia tentaculata), whereas in last 2 surveys the explanation can be attributed to species with heteroxenous life cycles (particularly R. coronatus, Duboisiella proloba, and Turgida turgida). Thirty-three percent of the helminth species recorded in P. opossum in Agua Fría is shared with the other 2 terrestrial species of didelphids sampled in different sites of Mexico: Didelphis marsupialis and Didelphis virginiana. In contrast, samples from French Guiana and Agua Fría, differ in terms of helminth fauna, confirming that the helminth communities of opossum species inhabiting the same locality show higher levels of taxonomic similarity than communities of conspecific marsupials allopatrically distributed.

Streblid bat flies (Diptera) and other ectoparasites on bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) from French Guiana / Moscas estréblidas (Diptera) e outros ectoparasitos de morcegos (Mammalia: Chiroptera) na Guiana Francesa

Abstract: Recent field surveys of bats (Chiroptera) in various localities of French Guiana have been accompanied by the collection and preservation of ectoparasites, mainly bat flies (Diptera: Streblidae and Nycteribiidae). Most specimens of ectoparasites was collected haphazardly during the course of bats inventories, but systematic surveys on the whole chiropteran community were realized at five opportunities. Concerning Streblidae, 813 individuals have been examined, which represent 46 species and/or subspecies belonging to 15 genera and 6 taxa for confirmation and/or future description. For Nycteribiidae, 44 individuals of 3 identified species and 2 for confirmation and/or future description. Other ectoparasites have been found (Hemiptera and acarids), which are also listed with details on their bat-host, place and date of collect. For six species of bats in which at least 10 animals were carrying ectoparasites, a brief description of the frequencies of their ectoparasites provides some preliminary characteristics of their infracommunities.

Resumo: Pesquisas de campo recentes de morcegos (Chiroptera) em várias localidades da Guiana Francesa foram acompanhadas pela coleta e preservação de ectoparasitas, principalmente moscas ectoparasitas (Diptera: Streblidae e Nycteribiidae). A maioria dos espécimes de ectoparasitos foi coletada aleatoriamente durante o curso dos inventários de morcegos, mas pesquisas sistemáticas em toda a comunidade de quirópteros foram realizadas em cinco oportunidades. Sobre Streblidae, 813 indivíduos foram examinados, dos quais representam 46 espécies e/ou subespécies pertencentes a 15 gêneros e 6 táxons para posterior confirmação específica e/ou descrição. Para Nycterbiidae, 44 indivíduos de 3 espécies e 2 para posterior confirmação específica e/ou descrição. Outros ectoparasitos foram coletados (hemípteros polictenídeos e ácaros), os quais também foram listados com detalhes sobre seus hospedeiros, localidade e data de coleta. Para seis espécies de morcegos com mais de 10 morcegos infestados a descrição da composição de cada infracomunidade encontrada e sua frequência são apresentados.

Structure of parasite communities in urban environments: the case of helminths in synanthropic rodents.

Identifying patterns with sufficient predictive power is a constant challenge for ecologists to address ecological problems related to species conservation, pollution or infectious disease control. During the last years, the amounts of parasitological studies in this sense increased, but they are still scarce in urban environments. The main aim of this study was to investigate if the helminth communities of urban rodents are structured within host assembly (compound community) or they are a result of random events occurring at each individual host scale (infracommunity). A total of 203 rodents belonging to four species, Rattus rattus (Linnaeus), Rattus norvegicus (Berkenhout), Mus musculus Linnaeus and the native Oligoryzomys flavescens (Waterhouse) and captured in different landscape units of the City of Buenos Aires (industrial-residential neighbourhoods, shantytowns and parklands) were analysed. The results showed that infracommunities could be grouped according to composition and relative abundances and that they respond to the structure of the host community. Thus, the component communities defined in this study could be identified as subsets of the compound community (rodent assemblage) and infracommunities (each host) as random samples within each one. Quantitative differences among component communities were denoted by comparing the infection levels of helminths described as central species. Therefore, infracommunities of R. norvegicus and O. flavescens were the most predictable because of the high abundance of the nematodes Heterakis spumosa Schneider, 1866 and Nippostrongylus brasiliensis (Travassos, 1914), and Stilestrongylus flavescens (Sutton et Durette-Desset, 1991), respectively. Several mechanisms contribute to complexity of the structure of parasite communities, where specific parasites, definitive and intermediate hosts, and environmental and anthropogenic factors all play a role in the dynamics of the compound community.

Changes in parasite-chaetognath species assemblages in the Mexican Central Pacific before and during El Niño 1997-1998.

We investigated the seasonal and interannual changes in diversity, abundance, and prevalence of chaetognaths and their parasites collected monthly during 1996-1998 in the Mexican Central Pacific. We tested the hypothesis of a positive relationship between abundance and species richness of chaetognaths and their parasites, and investigated the influence of the 1997-1998 El Niño event on this host-parasite interaction. Of the 9 chaetognath species collected in the present study, only 7 were found to be parasitized. Of 78154 chaetognath specimens collected, 790 were parasitized (1% prevalence) with at least 1 type of epibiont (cysts, perhaps protists) and 6 types of endoparasites: protists (apicomplexans, dinoflagellates, and ciliates), digeneans, cestodes, acanthocephalans, nematodes, and other unidentified endoparasites. Cysts, digeneans, and cestodes were the most abundant parasites. Mean intensity ranged from 1-4 endoparasites and from 1-21 epibionts host-1. Zonosagitta bedoti and Flaccisagitta enflata were the most abundant chaetognath species and had the highest parasite diversity. Mesosagitta minima and Parasagitta euneritica had the highest parasite prevalence (>2%). A 2-way cluster analysis defined sampling month groups as before, during, and after the 1997-1998 El Niño. The highest abundances of chaetognaths and parasites were associated with a high thermal stratification index, salinity, and mixed layer depth. We conclude that there is a positive, non-linear correlation between the abundance of chaetognaths and their parasites. Although El Niño decreased the abundance and diversity of chaetognaths throughout the time series, the abundance and diversity of their parasites were not significantly different among hydro-climatic periods, suggesting that host abundance must decrease orders of magnitude to influence host availability for parasites.

Helminth infracommunity of the cane toad Rhinella marina (Anura: Bufonidae) within its native distribution range.

During August 2010, a total of 66 cane toad Rhinella marina were collected in Laguna de Coyuca, Guerrero, Mexico and examined for the presence of helminths. Ninety-two percent were parasitized by 1 or more parasite species. A total of 4624 individuals were found, belonging to 8 helminth taxa (1 digenean, 1 cestode and 6 nematodes). Infracommunities harbored by this host species are highly variable (mean Jaccard similarity index 0.31±0.27); mean percent similarity index 0.26±0.32) and depauperate (mean richness 1.91±0.92; mean abundance 64.4±100.34); almost 50% of them were dominated by Rhabdias fuelleborni, a skin-penetrating nematode. Differences related to host gender and size were found, since males registered infracommunities with lower species richness and diversity than females. The reproductive condition of females (collected during the breeding season) might explain the results obtained; during this season, females invest less in resistance to infection in favor of investing resources in reproduction. However, confirmation of this statement can only be made by sampling in the dry season, when the toads do not reach their reproductive peak.

First study on communities of parasites in Triportheus rotundatus, a Characidae fish from the Amazon River system (Brazil) / Primeiro estudo sobre as comunidades parasitárias de Triportheus rotundatus, um Characidae do sistema Rio Amazonas (Brasil)

This study was the first investigation on the parasites of Triportheus rotundatus, a Characiformes fish from the Amazon, in Brazil. All the fish collected (100%) in a tributary from the Amazon River system were infected by one or more parasite species. The mean species richness of parasites was 4.9 ± 0.9, the Brillouin index was 0.39 ± 0.16, the evenness was 0.24 ± 0.09 and the Berger-Parker dominance was 0.81 ± 0.13. A total of 1316 metazoan parasites were collected, including Anacanthorus pithophallus, Anacanthorus furculus, Ancistrohaptor sp. (Dactylogyridae), Genarchella genarchella (Derogenidae), Posthodiplostomum sp. (Diplostomidae), Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) inopinatus (Camallanidae), Echinorhynchus paranensis (Echinorhynchidae) and Ergasilus sp. (Ergasilidae), but monogenoideans were the dominant parasites. These parasites presented an aggregate dispersion pattern, except for P. (S.) inopinatus, which showed a random dispersion pattern. The body conditions of the hosts were not affected by the parasitism levels. This first report of these parasites for T. rotundatus indicates that the presence of ectoparasites and endoparasites was due to hosts behavior and availability of infective stages in the environment, and this was discussed.(AU)

Este estudo foi a primeira investigação sobre os parasitos de Triportheus rotundatus, um Characiformes da Amazônia, no Brasil. Todos os peixes coletados (100%) em um afluente do sistema Rio Amazonas estavam infectados por uma ou mais espécies de parasitos. A riqueza média de espécies de parasitos foi 4,9 ± 0,9, índice de Brillouin 0.39 ± 0,16, equitabilidade 0,24 ± 0,09 e a dominância de Berger-Parker foi 0,81 ± 0,13. Um total de 1.316 parasitos metazoários foram coletados, incluindo Anacanthorus pithophallus, Anacanthorus furculus, Ancistrohaptor sp. (Dactylogyridae), Genarchella genarchella (Derogenidae), Posthodiplostomum sp. (Diplostomidae), Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) inopinatus (Camallanidae), Echinorhynchus paranensis (Echinorhynchidae) e Ergasilus sp. b(Ergasilidae), mas monogenoideas foram os parasitos dominantes. Estes parasitos apresentaram padrão de dispersão agregado, com exceção de P. (S.) inopinatus, que mostrou padrão de dispersão randômico. As condições corporais dos hospedeiros não foram afetadas pelos níveis de parasitismo. Este primeiro relato desses parasitos em T. rotundatus indica que a presença de ectoparasitos e endoparasitos foi devido ao comportamento dos hospedeiros e disponibilidade de estágios infectantes no ambiente, e isso foi discutido.(AU)

First study on communities of parasites in Triportheus rotundatus, a Characidae fish from the Amazon River system (Brazil) / Primeiro estudo sobre as comunidades parasitárias de Triportheus rotundatus, um Characidae do sistema Rio Amazonas (Brasil)

Abstract This study was the first investigation on the parasites of Triportheus rotundatus, a Characiformes fish from the Amazon, in Brazil. All the fish collected (100%) in a tributary from the Amazon River system were infected by one or more parasite species. The mean species richness of parasites was 4.9 ± 0.9, the Brillouin index was 0.39 ± 0.16, the evenness was 0.24 ± 0.09 and the Berger-Parker dominance was 0.81 ± 0.13. A total of 1316 metazoan parasites were collected, including Anacanthorus pithophallus, Anacanthorus furculus, Ancistrohaptor sp. (Dactylogyridae), Genarchella genarchella (Derogenidae), Posthodiplostomum sp. (Diplostomidae), Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) inopinatus (Camallanidae), Echinorhynchus paranensis (Echinorhynchidae) and Ergasilus sp. (Ergasilidae), but monogenoideans were the dominant parasites. These parasites presented an aggregate dispersion pattern, except for P. (S.) inopinatus, which showed a random dispersion pattern. The body conditions of the hosts were not affected by the parasitism levels. This first report of these parasites for T. rotundatus indicates that the presence of ectoparasites and endoparasites was due to hosts behavior and availability of infective stages in the environment, and this was discussed.

Resumo Este estudo foi a primeira investigação sobre os parasitos de Triportheus rotundatus, um Characiformes da Amazônia, no Brasil. Todos os peixes coletados (100%) em um afluente do sistema Rio Amazonas estavam infectados por uma ou mais espécies de parasitos. A riqueza média de espécies de parasitos foi 4,9 ± 0,9, índice de Brillouin 0.39 ± 0,16, equitabilidade 0,24 ± 0,09 e a dominância de Berger-Parker foi 0,81 ± 0,13. Um total de 1.316 parasitos metazoários foram coletados, incluindo Anacanthorus pithophallus, Anacanthorus furculus, Ancistrohaptor sp. (Dactylogyridae), Genarchella genarchella (Derogenidae), Posthodiplostomum sp. (Diplostomidae), Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) inopinatus (Camallanidae), Echinorhynchus paranensis (Echinorhynchidae) e Ergasilus sp. (Ergasilidae), mas monogenoideas foram os parasitos dominantes. Estes parasitos apresentaram padrão de dispersão agregado, com exceção de P. (S.) inopinatus, que mostrou padrão de dispersão randômico. As condições corporais dos hospedeiros não foram afetadas pelos níveis de parasitismo. Este primeiro relato desses parasitos em T. rotundatus indica que a presença de ectoparasitos e endoparasitos foi devido ao comportamento dos hospedeiros e disponibilidade de estágios infectantes no ambiente, e isso foi discutido.

Streblid bat flies on phyllostomid bats from an island off the coast of São Paulo, Brazil

Streblidae is the family of bloodsucking flies, mostly tropical and subtropical, that are obligate ectoparasites of bats. A high number of these fly species are found in the Atlantic Forest, but there is little information about their quantitative descriptors. In this paper, we describe the prevalence, mean intensity, and infracommunities of streblid bat flies on phyllostomid bats from the Parque Estadual da Ilha do Cardoso, São Paulo state, Brazil. Surveys were conducted from July 1990 to July 1991 in distinct places of the island, with a total of 454 flies of 30 species collected from 132 bats of 15 species. From those, we found 44 host-parasite associations and 31 infracommunities that suffered variations due to accidental associations or contaminations. With our results, the number of Streblidae species increased from 31 to 36 in São Paulo State.

Streblidae é uma família de moscas hematófagas, encontradas em maior riqueza em regiões tropicais e subtropicais, ectoparasitas obrigatórias de morcegos. Um grande número de espécies é encontrado na Mata Atlântica, no entanto, não há muita informação a respeito de seus descritores quantitativos. Neste trabalho nós descrevemos a prevalência, intensidade média e as infracomunidades de moscas estréblidas em morcegos filostomídeos do Parque Estadual da Ilha do Cardoso, estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Capturas foram realizadas de julho de 1990 até julho de 1991 em diferentes localidades da ilha, de forma que 454 moscas de 30 espécies foram coletadas de 132 morcegos de 15 espécies. Com isso, encontramos 44 associações parasito-hospedeiro e 31 infracomunidades que sofreram variação em virtude de associações acidentais ou contaminações. Com os nossos resultados o número de espécies de Streblidae para o estado de São Paulo aumentou de 31 para 36.

Streblid bat flies on phyllostomid bats from an island off the coast of são paulo, brazil

ABSTRACT Streblidae is the family of bloodsucking flies, mostly tropical and subtropical, that are obligate ectoparasites of bats. A high number of these fly species are found in the Atlantic Forest, but there is little information about their quantitative descriptors. In this paper, we describe the prevalence, mean intensity, and infracommunities of streblid bat flies on phyllostomid bats from the Parque Estadual da Ilha do Cardoso, São Paulo state, Brazil. Surveys were conducted from July 1990 to July 1991 in distinct places of the island, with a total of 454 flies of 30 species collected from 132 bats of 15 species. From those, we found 44 host-parasite associations and 31 infracommunities that suffered variations due to accidental associations or contaminations. With our results, the number of Streblidae species increased from 31 to 36 in São Paulo State.

RESUMO Streblidae é uma família de moscas hematófagas, encontradas em maior riqueza em regiões tropicais e subtropicais, ectoparasitas obrigatórias de morcegos. Um grande número de espécies é encontrado na Mata Atlântica, no entanto, não há muita informação a respeito de seus descritores quantitativos. Neste trabalho nós descrevemos a prevalência, intensidade média e as infracomunidades de moscas estréblidas em morcegos filostomídeos do Parque Estadual da Ilha do Cardoso, estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Capturas foram realizadas de julho de 1990 até julho de 1991 em diferentes localidades da ilha, de forma que 454 moscas de 30 espécies foram coletadas de 132 morcegos de 15 espécies. Com isso, encontramos 44 associações parasito-hospedeiro e 31 infracomunidades que sofreram variação em virtude de associações acidentais ou contaminações. Com os nossos resultados o número de espécies de Streblidae para o estado de São Paulo aumentou de 31 para 36.

Streblid bat flies on phyllostomid bats from an island off the coast of São Paulo, Brazil

Streblidae is the family of bloodsucking flies, mostly tropical and subtropical, that are obligate ectoparasites of bats. A high number of these fly species are found in the Atlantic Forest, but there is little information about their quantitative descriptors. In this paper, we describe the prevalence, mean intensity, and infracommunities of streblid bat flies on phyllostomid bats from the Parque Estadual da Ilha do Cardoso, São Paulo state, Brazil. Surveys were conducted from July 1990 to July 1991 in distinct places of the island, with a total of 454 flies of 30 species collected from 132 bats of 15 species. From those, we found 44 host-parasite associations and 31 infracommunities that suffered variations due to accidental associations or contaminations. With our results, the number of Streblidae species increased from 31 to 36 in São Paulo State.(AU)

Streblidae é uma família de moscas hematófagas, encontradas em maior riqueza em regiões tropicais e subtropicais, ectoparasitas obrigatórias de morcegos. Um grande número de espécies é encontrado na Mata Atlântica, no entanto, não há muita informação a respeito de seus descritores quantitativos. Neste trabalho nós descrevemos a prevalência, intensidade média e as infracomunidades de moscas estréblidas em morcegos filostomídeos do Parque Estadual da Ilha do Cardoso, estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Capturas foram realizadas de julho de 1990 até julho de 1991 em diferentes localidades da ilha, de forma que 454 moscas de 30 espécies foram coletadas de 132 morcegos de 15 espécies. Com isso, encontramos 44 associações parasito-hospedeiro e 31 infracomunidades que sofreram variação em virtude de associações acidentais ou contaminações. Com os nossos resultados o número de espécies de Streblidae para o estado de São Paulo aumentou de 31 para 36.(AU)

STREBLID BAT FLIES ON PHYLLOSTOMID BATS FROM AN ISLAND OFF THE COAST OF SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL

ABSTRACT Streblidae is the family of bloodsucking flies, mostly tropical and subtropical, that are obligate ectoparasites of bats. A high number of these fly species are found in the Atlantic Forest, but there is little information about their quantitative descriptors. In this paper, we describe the prevalence, mean intensity, and infracommunities of streblid bat flies on phyllostomid bats from the Parque Estadual da Ilha do Cardoso, São Paulo state, Brazil. Surveys were conducted from July 1990 to July 1991 in distinct places of the island, with a total of 454 flies of 30 species collected from 132 bats of 15 species. From those, we found 44 host-parasite associations and 31 infracommunities that suffered variations due to accidental associations or contaminations. With our results, the number of Streblidae species increased from 31 to 36 in São Paulo State.

RESUMO Streblidae é uma família de moscas hematófagas, encontradas em maior riqueza em regiões tropicais e subtropicais, ectoparasitas obrigatórias de morcegos. Um grande número de espécies é encontrado na Mata Atlântica, no entanto, não há muita informação a respeito de seus descritores quantitativos. Neste trabalho nós descrevemos a prevalência, intensidade média e as infracomunidades de moscas estréblidas em morcegos filostomídeos do Parque Estadual da Ilha do Cardoso, estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Capturas foram realizadas de julho de 1990 até julho de 1991 em diferentes localidades da ilha, de forma que 454 moscas de 30 espécies foram coletadas de 132 morcegos de 15 espécies. Com isso, encontramos 44 associações parasito-hospedeiro e 31 infracomunidades que sofreram variação em virtude de associações acidentais ou contaminações. Com os nossos resultados o número de espécies de Streblidae para o estado de São Paulo aumentou de 31 para 36.

Anidamiento en las comunidades de parásitos en peces intermareales de Chile central: ¿Qué tan influyente es la longitud corporal del hospedero?

a estructura de la comunidad de parásitos, determinada mediante análisis de anidamiento, varía considerablemente en función de la especie hospedera y el tamaño corporal de la misma. El patrón anidado es aquel en el que comunidades pobres en especies constituyen subunidades de comunidades de mayor riqueza, lo cual también se observa en las comunidades de parásitos. Existen grandes diferencias de riqueza y abundancia de parásitos en función del tamaño del hospedero. Por lo tanto, en este estudio determinamos, mediante análisis de anidamiento, si la estructura de la comunidad de parásitos de peces del intermareal, se relaciona con la longitud corporal de los hospederos y los descriptores parasitológicos. Se recolectaron 2 435 individuos de cinco especies de peces del intermareal rocoso de Chile central (32º02'-33º57' S y 70º30'- 70º30' W); Helcogrammoides chilensis, Scartichthys viridis, Auchenionchus microcirrhis, Gobiesox marmoratus y Sicyases sanguineus. Cada especimen fue revisado con respecto a sus parásitos y medido en su longitud total (LT). Las cinco especies muestreadas fueron clasificadas en función de la longitud corporal (LT) en tres rangos, cada uno de los cuales constituye una infracomunidad del estudio, y para la que se calculó el índice de anidamiento. Se emplearon los modelos NTCP (Nestedness Temperature Calculator Program) y NODF (Nestedness metric based on the Overlap and Decreasing Fill), utilizando la presencia/ ausencia de especies parásitas. También se empleó el modelo WNODF (Weighted - NODF) utilizando la abundancia de parásitos por especie. Así mismo, se calculó la riqueza total de especies, el promedio de riqueza, abundancia, diversidad y dominancia a nivel de la infracomunidad, para relacionarlos con los índices de anidamiento. Las infracomunidades de parásitos de la mayoría de las especies presentaron patrones de anidamiento, excepto en G. marmoratus y H. chilensis, en algunos de sus rangos de LT. No se encontró una relación directa entre el índice de anidamiento y la LT de los peces. Sin embargo, se observaron correlaciones directas de los índices de anidamiento con la riqueza promedio, abundancia y la diversidad infracomunitaria de parásitos, pero no con la riqueza total, que mostró una correlación inversa con la LT del hospedero. Además, se detectó anidamiento en la comunidad componente de parásitos en todas las especies de peces. Concluimos que las comunidades de parásitos de peces provenientes de la zona intermareal son estructuradas y predecibles, y se encuentran vagamente condicionadas por la LT de los hospederos y las características agregadas de los parásitos, especialmente a un nivel infracommunitario.

tructure and richness of parasite communities varies substantially among species and body sizes of hosts, which can be determined by analyzing the nestedness. The nestedness pattern is originated when depauperate communities are subsets of those found in communities with greater species richness, and has normally used to study parasite communities. Therefore, in this study we determined whether the structure of parasite communities of the intertidal fish, of central Chile, relates to host lengths and parasitological descriptors, by the use of nested subset analyses. We collected 2 435 individuals of five fish species from the intertidal rocky zone of central Chile (32º02'-33º57' S - 70º30'-70º30' W): Helcogrammoides chilensis, Scartichthys viridis, Auchenionchus microcirrhis, Gobiesox marmoratus, and Sicyases sanguineus; each specimen was analyzed for parasites and its total body length (LT) was measured. The total species richness, average richness, abundance, diversity, and dominance of parasites infracommunity (all parasites in a host specimen) were calculated. Each fish species was classified into three LT ranges, to calculate the indices of nestedness and average of these parasitological descriptors in each LT range. We used the models given in the NTCP (Nestedness Temperature Calculator Program) and NODF (Nestedness metric based on Overlap and Decreasing Fill), considering the presence or absence of parasite species; we also used WNODF (Weighted-NODF) model for parasite abundances. The average of parasitological descriptors and LT of each host species, as well as the indices of nestedness were also calculated and related one another, considering the infracommunity and component community levels. The parasite infracommunity of most fish species exhibited a nestedness pattern structure, with the exception of G. marmoratus and H. chilensis, in some of the LT ranges. No relationship between the nestedness indices and fish LT was found. Nevertheless, direct correlations were observed among nestedness indices, average of richness, abundance and diversity of parasite infracommunity, and an inverse correlation with the parasite total richness (per LT range). Moreover, the nestedness pattern was present in all host species. We concluded that the parasite communities of intertidal fish are structured and predictable, and determined only minimally by the host LTs and the aggregated characteristics of the parasites, particularly at the infracommunity level. Rev. Biol. Trop. 63 (4): 995-1005. Epub 2015 December 01.