The Development of Eustrongylides tubifex (Nematoda: Dioctophymatoidea) in Oligochaetes

Abstract

Egg development of Eustrongylides tubifex (Nitzsch in Rudolphi, 1819) Jägerskiöld, 1909, was studied at 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 C. Eggs developed at 20, 25, and 30 C. Development ceased at 0, 5, 10, and 15 C but resumed when temperatures were raised. Eggs contained first-stage larvae in 23-26 days at 25 C. Seven species of aquatic oligochaetes were exposed experimentally to eggs of E. tubifex containing first-stage larvae. Third-stage larvae of E. tubifex developed in the aquatic oligochaetes, Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri Claparède, 1862, and Tubifex tubifex (Müller, 1774). Larvae developed in the ventral blood vessel of oligochaetes. Second-stage larvae were seen first in oligochaetes 30 days postinfection and third-stage larvae were seen 70-109 days postinfection at 25 C. Third-stage larvae in oligochaetes retained the cuticle of the first and second molt.