Anacroneuria spp. (Insecta: Plecoptera: Perlidae) as paratenic hosts of Pheromermis sp. (Nematoda: Mermithidae) in Venezuela

Abstract

Nematodes of the family Mermithidae are known as endoparasites of freshwater arthropods. Juveniles of Pheromermis sp. (Mermithidae) were found coiled inside stonefly nymphs collected at seven sites in the Guare and Emilia rivers in northern Venezuela. Prevalence in Anacroneuria blanca was 93.2% () and in A. caraca was 91.5% (). In A. blanca, a higher number of juveniles per individual host was observed than in A. caraca, a fact that is probably related to body size. Although parasites were observed in all body regions, the highest incidence occurred in the legs and thorax. Considering the nematode prevalence and intensity of parasitism, we consider individuals of Anacroneuria spp. to be important hosts of Pheromermis in these rivers.