Baeoctenus bicolor (Diptera: Chironomidae) Parasitic in Unionid Bivalve Molluscs, and Notes on Other Chironomid–Bivalve Associations

Abstract

Parasitic association of Baeoctenus bicolor Sæther with the bivalves Anodonta cataracta and A. implicata in Morice Lake, New Brunswick, is described. An intimate relationship was also found between an undescribed genus of orthoclad (near Phycoidella) and A. cataracta but not A. implicata. Neither chironomid species was found in the other two genera of unionids that occur in the lake. Key words: Baeoctenus bicolor, Chironomidae, parasitism, Unionidae, Anodonta cataracta