Known hosts of the nematode endoparasite (Ascarididae: Hexametra angusticaecoides), including the Madagascar leaf-nosed snake (Lamprophiidae: Langaha madagascariensis)

Abstract

The nematode endoparasite, Hexametra angusticaecoides Chabaud and Brygoo, is an intestinal and coelomic nematode known only from lizards and snakes. Herein, we provide a list of all known hosts to date, and document a new host, the Madagascar leaf-nosed snake, Langaha madagascariensis Bonnaterre (Lamprophiidae). Because the known paratenic hosts (mosquitos, midges, and cockroaches) of Hexametra angusticaecoides are all extremely common in Florida, as well as Florida having the highest number of established non-native amphibians and reptiles in the entire world, this should be a concern to biologists and conservationists regarding imported animals for the pet trade.