How to translate text using browser tools
20 November 2024 Seasonal Variation in Relative Infection Intensity of Larvae of the Salamander Desmognathus amphileucus (Caudata: Plethodontidae) by the Trematode Metagonimoides oregonensis (Digenea: Heterophyidae)
Jenna N. Ash, Carlos D. Camp
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

The trematode currently recognized as Metagonimoides oregonesis primarily utilizes the Southern Black-bellied Salamander, Desmognathus amphileucus, as a second intermediate host in southern Appalachian streams. We investigated seasonal variation in relative intensity within larvae of this salamander species in the Broad River system of northeastern Georgia by counting metacercariae visible through the ventral body wall in February, May, August, and November of 2023. Summer hatching and metamorphosis by salamander larvae coupled with likely summer shedding time of trematode cercariae from the snail host explain much of the variation, which showed a peak relative intensity in November. However, this peak remained even after the effect of salamander size (and presumably age) had been removed. The seasonal pattern we observed may be subject to interannual variation.

Jenna N. Ash and Carlos D. Camp "Seasonal Variation in Relative Infection Intensity of Larvae of the Salamander Desmognathus amphileucus (Caudata: Plethodontidae) by the Trematode Metagonimoides oregonensis (Digenea: Heterophyidae)," Comparative Parasitology 91(2), 122-126, (20 November 2024). https://doi.org/10.1654/COPA-D-24-00010
Published: 20 November 2024
KEYWORDS
amphibian
body size
Helminth
host
metacercariae
month
parasite
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top