Infracomunidades de helmintos parásitos de Ambystoma lermaensis (Caudata: Ambystomatidae) en Lerma, México / Infracommunity of parasite helminths of Ambystoma lernaensis (Caudata: Ambystomatidae) in Lerma, Mexico

RESUMO

The helminth infracommunity structure was analyzed in 48 salamanders (Ambystoma lermaensis) from San Pedro Tlaltizapßn, Lerma, Estado de Mexico (June 1997 to March 1999). Richness (2.46 +/- 1.8), abundance (29.5 +/- 42.3), and diversity (0.64 +/- 0.58) levels characterize these communities as depauperate, similar to other amphibian helminth communities worldwide. Apparently, the main forces determining infracommunity structure are ectothermy (as regulator of the ingestion rate), and the opportunistic feeding habits of the hosts, because 80 of the helminth taxa enter the host by ingestion of intermediate hosts.