Morphological and molecular data on the bat flies, Basilia silvae (Brethes, 1913) and Trichobius parasiticus Gervais, 1844 parasitizing Chilean bats.

ABSTRACT: Among mammals, bats harbour the greatest taxonomic diversity of ectoparasitic arthropods. This is mainly due to their high mobility, wide distribution range and gregarious social behaviour. In Chile, 17 species of bats have been reported; however, their ectoparasitic arthropofauna has been little studied. There are currently 12 taxa recorded, belonging to two classes and associated with only four species of bats. This study aimed to investigate the diversity of parasitic flies associated with bats in three ecoregions: Atacama Desert, Chilean Matorral and Valdivian temperate forest. During 2021, using mist nets, bats were captured in Anzota caves (Atacama Desert ecoregion), Huelquén and Alto Jahuel (Chilean Matorral ecoregion), Cherquenco and San Patricio (Valdivian temperate forest). Each

SUBMITTER: Lobos-Ovalle D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12323750 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature