Revista Chilena de Historia Natural 79 (4): 465-474, 2006
RESEARCH ARTICLE
Morphometry and fecundity of Profilicollis bullocki Mateo, Córdova &
Guzmán 1982 (Acanthocephala: Polymorphidae) in sympatric coastal bird species of Chile
We describe and compare the variations in morphology and fecundity of Profilicollis
bullocki Mateo, Córdova & Guzmán 1982 (Acanthocephala: Polymorphidae) adults collected from 4
alternative sympatric and definitive marine coastal bird host species (Larus dominicanus Lichtenstein 1823, Larus
pipixcan Wagler 1831, Podiceps occipitalis Garnot 1826 and Numenius phaeopus Linné 1758),
sampled at Caleta Lenga, Chile (36º45’ S, 73º10’ W). Results show that the specific identity of the host species is a relevant factor to
explain morphometric and reproductive variations of P. bullocki. Parasites in Larus spp. attain larger body
size than in the two other host species. In addition, fecundity increases with parasite body size. However, analysis on the residuals of
the linear regression between fecundity and body size show that fecundity in L. dominicanus and in L. pipixcan
are similar and both higher than in P. occipitalis. We suggest that estimates of host abundance along with
abundance of parasites within each host species are needed to determine which is the best host for a parasite, as well as the
reproductive performance of the parasite in each host species.
Key words:
morphometry,
fecundity, acanthocephalans, sympatric hosts
