Litomosoides (Nemata: Filarioidea) of Bats from Bolivia with Records for Three Known Species and the Description of a New Species

Abstract

Herein, we describe Litomosoides salazari n. sp. collected from the body cavity of the yellow bat, Lasiurus ega from Bolivia. This new species of filarioid nematode is most closely related to the carinii group and is characterized by its relatively small size with the vulva located slightly posterior to the esophago-intestinal junction, an arrow-shaped buccal capsule, and a short, rounded tail. New host and locality records for both Litomosoides hamletti, and L. chandleri in phyllostomid bats, and L. brasiliensis occurring in both phyllostomid and vespertilionid bats, are provided. The morphological variability of the specimens is documented by providing comparative measurements of 3 known species. Litomosoides brasiliensis occurred in 6 species of bats from Bolivia and was the most common species of filarioid nematode encountered. All 4 species of nematodes, including the new species, were found in sympatry at Chijchijpa, a locality in the Yungas of Bolivia.