Host-parasite associations in a population of the nectarivorous bat Anoura geoffroyi (Phyllostomidae) in a cave in a Brazilian ferruginous geosystem

Parasitic relationships between Neotropical bats and their ectoparasites are not well known, even though parasitism is one of the factors that can affect fitness a host population. This study characterized parasite-host in relation to sex, age, body size reproductive status population Anoura geoffroyi using indices Prevalence, Mean Intensity Abundance. Total prevalence for 93 sampled was 94.6%. Two species streblid flies considered primary parasites A. , Exastinion clovisi (n = 203) Anastrebla modestini 152), were most abundant ectoparasites, followed by Trichobius sp. 7). mite species, Periglischrus vargasi (Spinturnicidae) 98) Spelaeorhynchus praecursor (Spelaeorhynchidae) 11), also found. We recorded higher mean abundance intensity pregnant females compared males reproductively inactive females, different specific associations ectoparasites. Host age condition had no effect on parasitological indices. Even with high rates parasitism, parasitic load did influence condition, but infestation mites showing have variable influences stages life history these bats. Thus, activity hosts could be an adverse factor resistance parasite infestations.