On the presence of the epibiont (ectosymbiont) Lagenophrys lenticulata (Kellicott, 1885) (Ciliophora) on Hyalella cursvispina Schoemaker, 1942: is it possible to find it on Chilean Hyalella populations?

Abstract

Abstract The amphipods of the genus Hyalella have many endemic species throughout South America, and these may have poorly studied associated species as epibionts. The aim of the present study was to review the literature on the presence of the protozoon Lagenophrys lenticulata (Kellicott, 1885) on species of Hyalella and contrast the results with the geographical distribution of the reported hosts. The literature records the presence of L. lenticulata on populations of H. azteca from Canada, Mexico and the United States of America, and on populations of H. curvispina from Uruguay. The literature also reports that H. curvispina is widespread throughout southern South America, including Argentina and Chile, and that it would be possible to find the presence of epibionts on other populations of H. curvispina. The corresponding biogeographical and evolutionary topics are discussed.