Franciele Cristina de Souza

The inclusion of parasites in inventories has provided relevant information on the knowledge of biodiversity. Integrating accurate taxonomy and species identity of both hosts and parasites can result in valuable insights into the association’s evolutionary relationships, geographic distribution, and dynamics. Besides the risk of diseases related with some parasites, herein we also highlighted the great diversity revealed in parasite communities associated with amphibians and reptiles, varying from unicellular to metazoan organisms occupying numerous tissues throughout the host’s body. To be aware of this diversity, the first step is to implement taxonomic studies performing appropriate methods for collecting and preserving specimens. Here, we aim to provide a useful hands-on guide to parasitological data collection from amphibians and reptiles. We write especially for those aiming to include parasitological data in their sampling, and for herpetologists and naturalists who already collaborate with parasitologists. We also provide some fundamental knowledge on the morphology and life cycle of the main parasites associated with herps, as well as protocols and tips for better collecting and preserving each type of parasite.

Drymarchon coraisandCaiman crocodilusare reported here using different feeding behaviors for consuming poisonous toads of the genusRhinella(Bufonidae).Drymarchon coraiswas observed feeding on specimens ofRhinella diptychawithout avoiding contact with the parotoid macroglands, suggesting that this snake species is immune to toad toxins.Caiman crocodiluswas recorded avoiding contact with the parotoid macroglands of specimens ofRhinella marinaby consuming only the front and rear legs, suggesting that this caiman may be sensitive to toad toxins. Further experimental and field studies are needed to better understand the feeding behavior ofD. coraisandC. crocodilusand the effects ofRhinellatoxins on these predators.Abstract in Portuguese is available with online material.

The third instar larva and puparium of Gastrops willistoni Cresson (Diptera: Ephydridae), preying on eggs in a foam nest of Leptodactylus knudseni Heyer (Anura: Leptodactylidae), in a central Amazonian dryland forest (Brazil) are described for the first time. The fusiform larva has a short breathing tube, its anterior spiracles are fan-shaped and posterior spiracles with three spircular openings. Pupa is ovoid with a broad anterior margin and bifurcate posterior tip. The taxonomic relationship of the frog egg predators, Gastrops Williston and Typopsilopa Cresson, are discussed.

Apresentamos aqui um novo registro de Hysterothylacium sp. parasitando um espécime de Diodon sp. encontrado no município de Angra dos Reis, estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Um total de quatorze espécimes (14) de Hysterothylacium sp. foram encontrados no estômago e na cavidade visceral de Diodon sp. Todos os nematóides encontrados foram fixados e preservados em álcool 70%, posteriormente clarificados em Lactofenol de Aman. Lâminas foram montadas para visualização das estruturas de importância taxonômica e realização das medidas. Os dados apresentados neste trabalho representam o primeiro registro de ocorrência de helmintos neste hospedeiro na região litoral do Brasil.

Um novo registro de Rhabdias parasitando Hypsiboas raniceps Stiles & Hassal 1905 em uma área de Cerrado é apresentado neste trabalho. O gênero é comumente encontrado parasitando pulmões de anfíbios e reptéis no mundo todo. Foram analisados sete espécimes de H. raniceps, onde dois estavam parasitados com nematódeos do gênero Rhabdias nos pulmões. Um total de seis nematódeos foram encontrados, e identificados com base na morfologia das estruturas, e nas medidas realizadas nos espécimes. Esta nota apresenta o primeiro registro de Rhabdias em H. raniceps, sendo assim a espécie um novo hospedeiro de Rhabdias.