2MASS near-infrared photometry of symbiotic stars

We present Two Micron All Sky Survey photometry for 216 symbiotic and possible symbiotic stars. This represents the most comprehensive near-infrared photometry for these sources which has been published to date. The results are used to define the statistics of S- and D-type stars; to investigate the photometric properties of Magellanic S-type symbiotics; and to define the possible evolution of D-type symbiotics within the J - H/H - K-S colour plane. It appears that the colours of D-type symbiotics are consistent with differing mass-loss rates dM/dt, provided that the grains have a silicate-like composition, and maximum temperatures of the order of similar to 800 K.