Horsehair Worms (Nematomorpha) as Parasites of Praying Mantids with a Discussion of their Life Cycle

Abstract

Praying mantids (Mantoptera) are the most important hosts of horsehair worms (Nematomorpha) in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. 82 reports of nematomorph-mantid relationships are reported, 11 of which are new to science. The majority of nematomorph species parasitizing mantids belongs to the genus Chordodes. The life cycle consists of a free-living stage in which copulation and early embryological and larval development take place and parasitic phases in an intermediate and a final host. The intermediate hosts, which are insects with aquatic larvae, serve as vectors between the aquatic and the terrestrial environment. Development can only be completed if the intermediate host is captured and eaten by the final host, praying mantids. Inside the host, the main development of the worms takes place, with a size increase from about 100 m up to several centimeters. The factors influencing emergence from the hosts, which must be established close to water, remain not well understood.