Prevalence and seasonality of two Harpellales (Zygomycotina: Trichomycetes) species living in the guts of aquatic insects in phytotelmata environments at Punta Lara, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina

SIRI, AUGUSTO; LÓPEZ LASTRA, CLAUDIA C.; DIKGOLZ VANESA E.; MICIELI, MARÍA V.; GIAMBELLUCA, LUIS A.

Asheville, North Carolina, EEUU

Congreso; Mycological Society of America (MSA) - North American Mycological Association (NAMA) 2004 Annual Meeting; 2004

Mycological Society of America (MSA) - North American Mycological Association (NAMA)

Two species of Harpellales, Smittium sp. and Stachylina sp., have been identified from from hindguts and midgut of Chironomidae larvae (Insecta: Diptera) living in leaf axils (phytotelmata) at Punta Lara, Buenos Aires province. Samples were obtained every two weeks by sucking up water from the axils individual Eryngium cabrerae and Cortaderia sp. plants from January 2003 to March 2004. Ten plants selected randomly were sampled. The volume, pH and Temperature of the rainwater of the axils were measured. The larvae were dissected in the laboratory under stereo and phase-contrast microscopes, and the guts were observed for the presence of trichomycete fungi. Thalli of Smittium sp. were found in the hindgut and Stachylina sp. in the midgut of Chironomidae larvae. Prevalence of fungi was determinated throughout the year. Smittium sp. was constant during most of the year, but was not recorded in January, February, April, June and July 2003 nor in January 2004. Stachylina sp. was recorded most of the time except from February to July 2003, and January, February and March 2004. Prevalence and seasonality are reported for both fungal species as well as the relation of fungal presence to environmental factors.