Embryonic development of Romanomermis communensis (Nematoda:Mermithidae) at different temperatures

• Published in: Canadian Journal of Zoology
• Main Authors: Thornton, D. P., Brust, R. A.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Canadian Science Publishing 1979
• Subjects: Animal Science and Zoology; Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics; Churchill
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/z79-221; http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/z79-221

Embryos of R. communensis completed their development to the late coil stage in 16.5 days at 20 °C, 22 days at 15 °C, and 32 days at 10 °C. Embryos failed to develop at 5 °C, although 10% did reach the two-cell stage by 32 days. About 5% of the eggs at 20 and 15 °C hatched after embryonation was completed. There was no further hatching during the 32-day period of observation. The nematode is probably univoltine in its natural habitat near Churchill, Manitoba.