Parasitic infestation in a female of Micropterna nycterobia McLachlan 1875 (Trichoptera, Limnephilidae) found in Monte Cucco cave ( central Italy)

Abstract

In this study, parasitosis due to Ophryoglena sp. (Ciliophora, Oligohymenophorea) in a Micropterna nycterobia (Trichoptera, Limnephilidae) female is described. The trichopteran was found on 31 October 2002 in a cave, named "Grotta di Monte Cucco," in Central Italy. The specimen, observed in vivo under the stereomicroscope, showed that its abdomen was packed with the ciliate. This parasite had fed on gonads, muscles and fat body of the host, thus confirming the role of Ophryoglena as a parasitic spayer. Different stages of development of the parasite were also detected. The interaction of the parasite with host tissues was investigated by means of light and electron microscopy.