Helminth parasites of the introduced Asian House Gecko ('Hemidactylus frenatus') (Gekkonidae), in the Northern Territory, Australia

Abstract

This is the first report of helminths (i.e. gastrointestinal parasitic 'worms') infecting the invasive Asian House Gecko ('Hemidactylus frenatus') in Australia. Baseline infection data are presented, but the need for more research, especially on sympatric native gekkonid species, to determine whether any of the helminths are capable of being transferred to native lizards, is highlighted. Geckos were collected from areas of mainland Northern Territory and associated offshore islands, as well as Christmas and Cocos Islands. A total of six helminth species were found: 'Paradistomum' sp. (Platyhelminthes: Digenea: Dicrocoeliidae); 'Oochoristica' sp. (Platyhelminthes: Cestoda: Listowiidae); 'Spauligodon hemidactylus' (Nematoda: Pharyngodonidae); 'Maxvachonia' sp. (Nematoda: Cosmocercidae); a larval nematode; and an adult acanthocephalan. 'Spauligodon hemidactylus', which is reported here from Australia for the first time, was the most commonly detected species, being found in 24% of geckos. A table listing the helminth records for 'Hemidactylus frenatus' in the Australasian, Asian and Pacific regions is provided.