Abstract
Specimens of the shore crab, Hemigrapsus oregonensis, and the porcelain crab, Pachycheles rudis, collected in California contained nematodes of the genus Ascarophis (Spirurida) in their hemocoel. The nematodes occurred in capsules located in various regions of the host. The incidence of parasitism ranged from 12.5 to 63.6% over a 2-yr sampling period in Bodega Harbor, California. A description of the third stage juvenile Ascarophis removed from H. oregonensis is given. Data on the distribution of the parasite, its seasonal variation, and its presence in relation to host size and molt cycle are presented. Results indicate that Ascarophis infection decreases the rate of growth and possibly increases mortality among older, larger crabs.
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