First Record of the Nematode Physaloptera squamatae in the Helminth Community of the Introduced Anole Anolis grahami (Polychrotidae) on Bermuda

Abstract

The gastrointestinal helminth communities of five populations of Anolis grahami, an introduced anole on Bermuda, were surveyed to determine the prevalence, abundance, and species diversity of parasites in these reptiles. Only three nematode species were found, Atractis scelopori, Parapharyngodon cubensis, and Physaloptera squamatae. This species, P. squamatae, is recorded for the first time in Anolis grahami on Bermuda, probably introduced through its arthropod intermediate host. The role of the host A. grahami as a “spillover” agent for these parasites is discussed.