Nematode parasites in the lizards Salvator rufescens, Teius teyou (Teiidae) and Homonota underwoodi (Phyllodactylidae) from the Monte Region in Central-Western Argentina

Abstract

We studied the parasite fauna in three lizard species, Salvator rufescens, Teius teyou (both Teiidae) and Homonota underwoodi (Phyllodactylidae) in Encón locality, province of San Juan, Argentina. We analyzed gastrointestinal contents and estimated ecological indicators of parasites. Presence of three parasitic nematode taxa was determined in the stomach: Physaloptera sp. and Physaloptera retusa (Physalopteridae), and Pharyngodon sp. (Pharyngodonidae). Our parasitic studies are the first for these hosts in Argentina and contribute to current knowledge of the parasite fauna in reptiles.