Herpetomonas
Herpetomonas is a genus of flagellated protozoan parasites belonging to the family Trypanosomatidae, which also includes well-known pathogens such as *Leishmania* and *Trypanosoma*. These organisms are primarily found in insects, particularly within the orders Hemiptera (true bugs) and Diptera (flies), where they serve as endosymbionts or pathogens. Herpetomonads are commonly associated with plant-sap-feeding insects, such as aphids, mealybugs, and scale insects, though some species have been linked to vertebrate hosts, including humans and other mammals.
The life cycle of Herpetomonas typically involves transmission between insect vectors and their hosts through contaminated
Morphologically, Herpetomonas species are characterized by a single flagellum that extends along the length of the
Research on Herpetomonas remains limited compared to more medically significant trypanosomatids, but studies suggest potential roles