Dauerlarvae of Pelodera strongyloides (Schneider, 1860) (Nematoda: Rhabditidae) in the conjunctival sacs of lemmings

• Published in: Canadian Journal of Zoology
• Main Authors: Cliff, G. M., Anderson, R. C., Mallory, F. F.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Canadian Science Publishing 1978
• Subjects: Animal Science and Zoology; Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics; Dicrostonyx groenlandicus; Lemmus trimucronatus
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/z78-287; http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/z78-287

Dauerlarvae of Pelodera strongyloides (Schneider, 1860) Schneider, 1866 were found for the first time in the conjunctival sacs of Dicrostonyx groenlandicus (Traill) and Lemmus trimucronatus (Richardson). Prevalence of dauerlarvae was significantly higher in D. groenlandicus than in L. trimucronatus. The larvae were cultured and populations of P. strongyloides were obtained. Dauerlarvae obtained from the cultures were transmitted to various rodents in the laboratory. Larvae remained in the conjunctival sac for a maximum of 5 days. They had no apparent effect on rodents and were not morphologically different from those reared on agar.