First record of Mermithid nematodes parasitizing leafhoppers in South America

Abstract

Nematodes of the family Mermithidae were found parasitizing adults and nymphs of the species Hortensia similis (Auchenorryncha: Cicadellidae). The host specimens were collected from weeds associated to citrus orchards located in Corrientes, Argentinean province, during a biodiversity study in 2015. As far as we know, this is the first South American example of leafhoppers parasitized by mermithids.

Se encontraron nematodos de la familia Mermithidae parasitando ninfas y adultos de Hortensia similis (Auchenorryncha: Cicadellidae). Los especímenes hospedadores fueron recolectados en malezas asociadas a huertos de cítricos ubicados en la provincia de Corrientes, Argentina, durante un estudio de biodiversidad en 2015. Hasta donde sabemos, este es el primer ejemplo de chicharritas parasitadas por un mermítido en Sudamérica.