BODY DISTRIBUTION OF HANNEMANIA SP. (ACARI: LEEUWENHOEKIIDAE) IN RHINELLA SPINULOSA, PLEURODEMA BUFONINA, AND PLEURODEMA THAUL FROM CHILE.

Hannemania larvae are parasites of amphibians in North and South America. In Chile, only one species of Hannemania has been reported from Batrachyla taeniata (banded wood frog). The objective of the study was to determine the abundance and body distribution of Hannemania among three amphibians from Antuco (Biobío Region, Chile): Pleurodema thaul (13 adults; Chile four-eyed frog), Pleurodema bufonina (5 adults; large four-eyed frog), and Rhinella spinulosa (15 adults and 16 juveniles; warty toad). Amphibians (82.75 %; n = 49) were infested with Hannemania. The infestation rate in R. spinulosa juveniles was lower than in adults (68 versus 100%, respectively; mean larval intensity: juvenile = 3.2 ± 2.5 and adult = 17.3 ± 16.3). Mean intensity of larval infestation in P. bufonina (63.2 ± 47.9) was higher than in the other two species of amphibians (R. spinulosa adult: 17.3 ± 16.3; R. spinulosa juvenile: 3.2 ± 2.5; P. thaul: 11.62 ± 7.8). There was no significant association between body size and mean intensity of infestation. The inguinal region, ventrum, and dorsal forearm region were the most parasitized. These body zones would be in direct contact with the substrate making the infestation easier for the larvae. This study represents the first record of Hannemania sp. in P. bufonina, R. spinulosa, and P. thaul in Chile.