PARASITIC ECOLOGICAL ASPECTS IN Pleurodema nebulosum (ANURA: LEPTODACTYLIDAE) IN THE MONTE REGION, SAN JUAN, ARGENTINA

Abstract

Pleurodema nebulosum is a species with a wide distribution in Argentina. Parasitism and its relationship with host sex, human disturbance, and body mass were assessed. The nematode Aplectana nebulosa (Cosmocercidae) was identified in the large intestine. Mean parasitic abundance was found to be positively associated with size (snout-vent length), male sex and human disturbance. Larger body size led to an increase in the mean abundance of parasites. Males in both environments were more parasitized than females. The mean abundance of parasites was higher in the disturbed environment compared to the control. We discuss our results in an ecological context. Novel information is provided on parasitism in this amphibian species in the Monte Desert, Argentina.