Nucella lapillus as a paratenic host for Maritrema arenaria

• Published in: Journal of Helminthology
• Main Authors: McCarthy, H.O., Irwin, S.W.B., Fitzpatrick, S.M.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 1999
• Subjects: Animal Science and Zoology; General Medicine; Parasitology; Dog whelk; Nucella lapillus
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0022149x99000463; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0022149X99000463

Metacercariae of the microphallid trematode Maritrema arenaria are found in the shore barnacle Semibalanoides balanoides which is heavily predated by the dog whelk, Nucella lapillus . This study demonstrated that, under experimental and natural conditions, M. arenaria metacercarial cysts were ingested by N. lapillus and the metacercariae retained their viability while passing through the molluscs' digestive systems. Dog whelks are a known food source for numerous bird species, leading to the conclusion that they may act as paratenic hosts of M. arenaria . The strategic importance of the adoption by M. arenaria of N. lapillus as a paratenic host is discussed.