New Definitive Host Record for Chordodes morgani (Nematomorpha) in Nebraska with Notes on Ecology

Figueira, T.; Owen, D. F.; Hanelt, Ben; Shea, John F.

doi:10.1645/20-144

Cited by 1 publication

(1 citation statement)

References 48 publications

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“…Definitive host use for most species of Chordodes includes mantids, roaches, or orthopterans (Bolek et al, 2013; Chiu et al, 2011; Montgomery, 1907; Poinar, 1999; Schmidt‐Rhaesa, 2002; Schmidt‐Rhaesa & Ehrmann, 2001; Studier et al, 1991). Figueira et al (2021) demonstrated the wood cockroach ( Parcoblatta virginica ) is the definitive host of C. morgani in Nebraska, but the authors did not identify the paratenic host. Even less is known about the paratenic hosts of gordioids: Chiu et al (2016) found cysts in chironomid larvae belonging to three different gordioid species, including one that was morphologically similar to Chordodes formosanus , whereas Meguro et al (2020) showed seasonal changes in cyst prevalence among 18 families of aquatic insects in a 5‐month trap survey.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evidence that flatheaded mayflies (Heptageniidae) serve as the likely paratenic host for Chordodes morgani (Nematomorpha) in Nebraska

Shea,

Sniezek,

Marchant

2023

Invertebrate Biology

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Hairworms (Nematomorpha) have indirect life cycles that require a terrestrial arthropod definitive host and an aquatic arthropod host that serves as a paratenic host, transferring the hairworm from the aquatic to the terrestrial environment. The life cycles for most hairworms remain unknown, especially the paratenic host. The hairworm Chordodes morgani lays its eggs on sticks, which are susceptible to the activity of aquatic insects such as larvae of the flatheaded mayfly (Heptageniidae), which feed by scraping algae and detritus. To test the likelihood that scrapers serve as the paratenic host for C. morgani, we collected sticks and their accompanying invertebrates from three sites near Lincoln, NE. We noted the presence of eggs of C. morgani on each stick, placed them in labeled resealable bags, and examined the invertebrates microscopically for the presence of hairworm cysts. We predicted that scrapers found on sticks with eggs of C. morgani will harbor the highest number of cysts. To confirm that larvae of the flatheaded mayfly serve as the aquatic host, we fed field‐collected specimens to three captive‐reared wood roaches (Parcoblatta pensylvanica). Of the three exposed roaches, one yielded nine individuals of C. morgani 63 days after exposure. Understanding the life cycle of this horsehair worm will allow researchers to rear the species in the lab, which could become a model for parasite research.

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