Diversity of ectoparasitic bat flies (Diptera, Hippoboscoidea) in inter-Andean valleys: evaluating interactions in the largest inter-Andean basin of Colombia.

ABSTRACT: Flies belonging to the families Streblidae and Nycteribiidae are highly specialized arthropods that feed on the blood of bats. Their morphology varies and has adapted throughout their coevolutionary history with hosts. Bat flies are often associated with specific bat species and can establish distinct infracommunities. Interaction networks have been used to better understand these associations, revealing interaction modules between bats and their parasites. The Magdalena River basin is the largest in Colombia, encompassing a wide variety of climatic and ecological conditions, with up to 98 bat species reported. We conducted field trips to capture bats and bat flies in different locations along the basin and reviewed literature records and biological collections to gather additional data on

SUBMITTER: Lopez-Rivera C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11707520 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature