Abstract
The numbers of adult females of Hammerschmidtiella diesingi and Leidynema appendiculata in adult and immature Periplaneta americana of both sexes were analyzed. The numbers of H. diesingi increased progressively from the early seventh instar to a maximum in the ninth instar, then decreased in adults of both sexes. Leidynema appendiculata was uncommon in all nymphs, but its numbers increased in adults of both sexes. Dissection of 7-day-old adult females showed that these results are due to the inability of most L. appendiculata juveniles to survive the molting of the host. Many juveniles and adults of H. diesingi survived the molt. The frequency distributions of the number of adult female nematodes in ninth-instar and adult cockroaches of both sexes suggested that the establishment of H. diesingi is not a random process. In contrast, the distributions of L. appendiculata fit a random distribution in male adults and female ninth instars, but depart from such a distribution in adult females and male ninths. Some of the data suggested that competition between the two species of nematodes occurred in the hindgut of the adult. Furthermore, male and female cockroaches differed in their suitability as hosts for the thelastomatids. The possible influences of nutrition and hormones of the host on parasite burden are discussed.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
