Aquatic Heteroptera as host of Temnocephala Blanchard (Platyhelminthes: Temnocephalidae) in Minas Gerais, Brazil

Abstract

Adults, immatures and eggs of Temnocephala decarloi Moretto and T. lanei Pereira & Cuocolo associated with Naucoridae, Nepidae and Belostomatidae species were recorded. The presence of Temnocephala associated with Heteroptera species is first reported for Brazil. It is suggestive that this association is relevant for Temnocephalidae dispersion and population maintenance owing to the morphology and behaviour of these insects and the oligotrophic state of the sampled localities.