A study was done in the middle intestine of Lutzomyia ovallesi infected with Leishmania (Leishmania) amzonensis. The females were examined seven days after infection by means of high resolution light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Two kinds of epithelial cells, digestive and secretory, were observed in the middle intestine of L. ovallesi, in both control insects and in those infected. Results showed changes in the cytoarchitecture of the intestine as a consequence of infection with L. (L.) amazonensis. There was a great increase in the diameter of the intestine, showing signs of cellular degeneration, such as partial or total loss of microvilli and the thickening of the basal layer of the whole portion of the intestine. Epithelial cells showed damage in vacuoles and mitochondria, and epithelial waste was observable in the intestine. Cellular damage in the middle intestine of L. ovallesi produced by infection with L. (L.) amazonensis is perhaps connected with lectin secretion and formation of gel, similar to that of a matrix, in the intestinal lumen. More studies are needed to clarify important aspects of the relationship between Leishmania and the vector.

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Resumen Por primera vez reportamos en Venezuela la presencia de Aceria hibisci (Nalepa, 1906) (Acari: Eriophyoidea) en plantas de cayena (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L: Malvaceae). El ácaro induce el desarrollo de agallas que resultan en la aparición de notables alteraciones estéticas y disminución acentuada de la capacidad fotosintética. La especie Aceria hibisci está presente en todas las áreas correspondientes al Municipio Libertador, estado Mérida y muchas de estas plantas de cayenas han muerto. La identificación fue posible mediante el registro de imágenes de microscopía electrónica de barrido y el consiguiente análisis de las características taxonómicas. Abstract For the first time, we report in Venezuela the presence of Aceria hibisci (Nalepa, 1906) (Acari: Eriophyoidea) in cayenne plants (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L: Malvaceae). Mites induce the development of galls that result in the appearance of remarkable aesthetic alterations and a sharp decrease in photosynthetic capacity. The Aceria hibisci specie is present in all corresponding areas of the Libertador Municipality, Mérida state, and many of these plants of “Cayenas” have died. Identification was possible by recording images of scanning electron microscopy and the consequent analysis of taxonomic characteristics.