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SHORT NOTES

Vol. 4 No. 1-2 (2015): Rev. Arg. Parasitol.

First record of the mite Unionicola sp. (Hydrachnidia: Unionicolidae) in Diplodon chilensis (Hyriidae, Unioniformes) with comments on distribution and infestation in andean patagonian freshwater systems (Southern Argentina)

  • Liliana Semenas
  • Norma Brugni
Submitted
July 16, 2026
Published
2026-10-07

Abstract

Nymphs of the acari Unionicola sp. were found in external and internal demibranchs of the freshwater mussel Diplodon chilensis. Presence of the mite can be registered in eight freshwater bodies between 40°01´S to 41°31´S. Nymphs were in the gill filaments and no gross histological impact was observed. Intensity and prevalence were very variable in the different aquatic systems, and intensity showed significant differences among water bodies, and was no correlated with length or sex host in any of them. This is the first time the presence of a species of Unionicola sp. is cited in D. chilensis and in Andean Patagonian freshwater systems.

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