Description and development of Gastromermis anisotis sp. n. (Nematoda: Mermithidae), a parasite in a quadritrophic system involving a cyanobacterium, midge and virus

Authors: Poinar Jr G.O.; Poinar R.

Source: Nematology, Volume 5, Number 3, 2003 , pp. 325-338(14)

Publisher: BRILL

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Abstract:

This paper reports the results of a 25 year study on an obligate quadritrophic system involving a midge, Cricotopus nostocicola (Diptera: Chironomidae), its cyanobacterial food source, Nostoc parmeliodes (Nostocales), a new species of nematode parasite of the midge, Gastromermis anisotis sp. n. (Mermithidae), and a virus infecting the nematode. Occurring in a mountain stream in California, the components of this system are adapted for survival at temperatures just above freezing (4-8°C). Developmental studies of the nematode include mating, oviposition, egg hatch, host penetration, parasitic development, free-living habits, spermatogenesis, platelet structure, and virus infection. Rates of parasitism varied between 5-42% over the 25 year period. The nematode was considered to be the most significant biological control agent of Cricotopus populations in the stream.

Keywords: - CRICOTOPUS MIDGES; MERMITHID; NON-OCCLUDED VIRUS; NOSTOC CYANOBACTERIA; QUADRITROPHIC LINEAR SYSTEM; TAXONOMY; USA.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/156854103769224322

Publication date: 2003-04-01

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