Diversity and dynamics in larval digenean assemblages parasitizing in a freshwater shallow lake from the Southeastern Pampa plain, Argentina.

Digeneans have important roles within ecosystems; however, it is estimated that only 14% of the species have been described. Therefore, before being able to detail their role, digenean species’ identification and the diversity present in the ecosystems must be known. In this study, the diversity and the temporal-spatial dynamics of larval digeneans in the freshwater snail Heleobia parchappii were analysed in a shallow lake.

Effects of droughts on the larval digenean assemblage that parasitizes the snail Biomphalaria peregrina (Planorbidae): a 4-year study in a temporary pond from Argentina.

Temporary ponds are ecologically valuable habitats and useful sites for studies of diversity, ecology, evolution, and climate change. Organisms inhabiting these environments have developed strategies to ensure their survival. However, little is known about the temporal dynamics and strategies of parasites in these habitats.

Stunting of the penis in Heleobia parchappii (Mollusca: Cochliopidae) and its relationship with parasitism.

Penis anatomy is used to discriminate species of gastropods belonging to the family Cochliopidae; however, this characteristic may be affected by the presence of parasites. To evaluate the possible effect of parasites on penis length and number of papillae in Heleobia parchappii, 195 males were collected from the Nahuel Rucá Lagoon, Argentina. Male snails were only infected by trematode digeneans (total prevalence 45.

Population dynamic of two digenean species parasitizing the grass shrimp Palaemonetes argentinus Nobili 1901 (Decapoda: Palaemonidae) in a lentic environment from Argentina.

The microphallids Microphallus szidati and Levinseniella cruzi parasitized at least three crustacean species as second intermediate host in Mar Chiquita coastal lagoon: the crabs Neohelice granulata and Cyrtograpsus angulatus and the grass shrimp Palaemonetes argentinus. Palaemonetes argentinus acts as host for both metacercariae in brackish and freshwater environments; however the seasonal variations of these digeneans in freshwater habitats remain unexplored. The aim of the present study was to analyze the seasonal dynamic of the larval digenean populations parasitizing P.

Can the studies at a spatial scale of 100s meters detect the spatiotemporal fluctuations of a parasite assemblage?

The importance of small-scale heterogeneity in local factors which overrides that of larger-scales factors, suggest that local factors play a major role in determining the richness and prevalence of larval digeneans in intertidal gastropods. The restricted distribution of the snail Heleobia australis along a 500 m transect in Cangrejo creek (Mar Chiquita, Argentina) provides a good opportunity to test the assumption that a study at spatial scale of 100s meters can detect spatiotemporal fluctuations of a larval digenean assemblage. To analyze that, 3600 specimens of H.

Evaluation of species richness estimators in studies of diversity involving two larval digenean communities parasitizing snail hosts.

The nonparametric estimators of species richness are some of the most widely used extrapolation methods in studies of biodiversity. These studies need relative large samples to achieve total diversity (including rare species), and estimators are routinely used to alleviate this problem. In the existing literature, parasite communities have received little attention.