Distribution of gizzard nematodes (Habronematoidea, Acuarioidea) of New World shorebirds (Charadriiformes), with special reference to localities of transmission

Abstract

Eleven species of gizzard nematodes were found in 27 of 41 (66%) species of the Charadriidae, Haematopodidae, Recurvirostridae, and Scolopacidae. They were found mainly in large shorebirds, possibly because they use large crustaceans (e.g., decapods) as intermediate hosts. The presence of identifiable larvae indicated that five species are transmitted in marine environments: (1) Stellocaronema skrjabini, found in 15 shorebird species, is transmitted on the Pacific and Gulf coasts of the United States and Peru; (2) Schistorophus skrjabini, found in three shorebird species, is transmitted on the Pacific and Gulf coasts of the United States; (3) Sciadiocara umbellifera, found in nine shorebird species, is transmitted along the coasts of Texas and Peru; (4) Viktorocara capillaris, found in six shorebird species, is transmitted on the Pacific and Gulf coasts of the United States; (5) Viktorocara limosae, found in 13 shorebird species, is transmitted on the Pacific coast of the United States. Acuaria sp. was found in two long-billed curlews (Numenius americanus) breeding in Alberta and one sanderling (Calidris alba) wintering in Peru. Streptocara sp. was found in four shorebird species, and the presence of larvae in a willet (Catoptrophorus semipalmatus) indicated that transmission takes place in Alberta. Chevreuxia americana, found in six shorebird species, was most common in American avocets (Recurvirostra americana) and black-bellied plovers (Pluvialis squatarola). Sciadiocara bihamata was found in four shorebird species but was most common in black-bellied plovers. Sciadiocara cucullatus was found in one long-billed curlew collected in Texas. Sobolevicephalus lichtenfelsi was found in marbled godwits (Limosa fedoa) and willets.