0000000000019767
AUTHOR
Vicente Roca
New Reptile Hosts for Helminth Parasites in a Mediterranean Region
ABSTRACT Parasitic helminths are an almost universal feature of vertebrate animals, but reptiles are among the hosts with the most depauperate parasite communities. Biological traits of reptiles ar...
Intestinal Helminth Parasites of Wall Lizards, Podarcis vaucheri Complex (Sauria: Lacertidae) from Algeria
Abstract A parasitological survey was carried out to determine the relationships between the helminth fauna and biological traits of the hosts in three Algerian populations of Podarcis lizards belonging to two different evolutionary lineages. Size, sex, and locality of collection, as well as the infracommunities and component communities, were analyzed. Very low values of parasite infection parameters and diversity were found in all three populations. This is in accordance with the feeding habits of these lizard hosts, which only eat animal prey and no plant matter. Spauligodon saxicolae (Nematoda: Pharyngodonidae), a specialist in lizards, is reported here for the first time in Africa. Thi…
Synopsis of the helminth communities of the lacertid lizards from the Balearic and Canary Islands
Helminth communities of reptiles have usually been considered as depauperate and isolationist, with low abundance and species richness when compared to other vertebrates. Nevertheless there are some insular reptile populations in which this general rule is not fulfilled. In this study, we compare helminth faunas from two groups of lizards living in two different archipelagos and having different feeding habits. Lacertid lizards from Canary Islands, belonging to the endemic genus Gallotia, showed by contrast with other lacertids, a tendency to high consumption of plant matter and to rich and diverse helminth communities. Differences were found even between the lizards living in different isl…
Getting there and around: Host range oscillations during colonization of the Canary Islands by the parasitic nematode Spauligodon
Episodes of expansion and isolation in geographic range over space and time, during which parasites have the opportunity to expand their host range, are linked to the development of host-parasite mosaic assemblages and parasite diversification. In this study, we investigated whether island colonization events lead to host range oscillations in a taxon of host-specific parasitic nematodes of the genus Spauligodon in the Canary Islands. We further investigated whether range oscillations also resulted in shifts in host breadth (i.e., specialization), as expected for parasites on islands. Parasite phylogeny and divergence time estimates were inferred from molecular data with Bayesian methods. H…
Morphology, ultrastructure and molecular characterisation of Spiroxys japonica Morishita, 1926 (Spirurida: Gnathostomatidae) from Pelophylax nigromaculatus (Hallowell) (Amphibia: Ranidae).
Gnathostomatid nematodes identified morphologically as Spiroxys japonica Morishita, 1926 were collected from the dark-spotted frog Pelophylax nigromaculatus (Hallowell) (Amphibia: Ranidae) in China. Light and scanning electron microscopy were used to study the morphology of this species in detail. Previously unreported morphological features are revealed and others corrected. In addition, adult nematodes of S. japonica collected from P. nigromaculatus and Spiroxys hanzaki Hasegawa, Miyata & Doi, 1998 collected from Andrias japonicus (Temminck) (Caudata: Cryptobranchidae) in China and Japan, respectively, and the third-stage larva of S. japonica collected from Lithobates catesbeianus (Shaw) …
Helminth infracommunities of Gallotia caesaris caesaris and Gallotia caesaris gomerae (Sauria: Lacertidae) from the Canary Islands (Eastern Atlantic).
A survey of gastrointestinal helminth communities of Gallotia caesaris caesaris (Lehrs, 1914) and G. c. gomerae (Boettger and Muller, 1914), from the islands of El Hierro and La Gomera, respectively, in the Canary Archipelago, Spain, was conducted to determine the prevalence, intensity, and diversity of intestinal parasites of these lacertid lizards. Larval forms of cestodes, nematodes, and acanthocephalans were found in the body cavity of G. c. caesaris; this lizard is the intermediate or paratenic host in the life cycle of these helminths. Pharyngodonid nematodes were the most common intestinal helminths in both hosts, 4 of them being Gallotia spp. specialists. Helminth infracommunities o…
Helminth Communities in Audouin's Gulls, Larus audouinii from Chafarinas Islands (Western Mediterranean)
A survey of intestinal helminth communities of Audouin's s gulls Larus audouinii, from their breeding colonies in Chafarinas Islands, western Mediterranean, Spain was conducted to determine the abundance and species diversity of intestinal parasites of these birds. The sample of 58 gulls harbored intestinal helminth infracommunities composed of species that are gull generalists, including the digeneans Cardiocephalus longicollis, Knipowitschiatrema nicolai, Condylocotyla pilodora, and Aporchis massiliensis, and the cestode Tetrabothrius cylindraceus. Two nematodes are waterfowl generalists (Cosmocephalus obvelatus and Paracuaria adunca), whereas the digenean Acanthotrema armata is an Audoui…
Parasite specificity in Podarcis bocagei and P. carbonelli (Lacertidae) from NW Portugal: a host-parasite history
Host parasite specificity is related to several factors including the type of life cycle of the parasite, the habitat occupied by both parasites and hosts, and the food habits of the hosts. In this work, gastrointestinal helminths in two congeneric lacertid lizards, Podarcis bocagei and Podarcis carbonelli living in sintopy, have been analysed. Out of four helminth species found, three of them, the trematode Brachylaima sp., the cestode Oochoristica gallica and the nematode Skrjabinelazia hoffmanni, have indirect life cycles while the nematode Spauligodon carbonelli has a direct life cycle. Heteroxenous helminths showed low host specificity whereas S. carbonelli may be placed at an intermed…
First helminthological data on the Iberian adder, Vipera seoanei.
Abstract Helminth fauna and some biotic and abiotic traits were analysed in Iberian adder Vipera seoanei (Squamata: Viperidae) a European viper nearly endemic to northern Iberian Peninsula, in an attempt to confirm previous claims of relationships between this ecological traits in this genus. A total of 317 samples mostly covering the distributional range of V. seoanei, were examined. Compared with other Vipera species from the Iberian Peninsula, the helminth fauna is also impoverished in V. seoanei, but it is contrary to other Vipera species from Central and East Europe. Helminths were mostly found in adult vipers, and occurred in vipers located at the periphery of the species range, chara…
Are the helminth communities from unisexual and bisexual lizards different? Evidences from gastrointestinal parasites of Darevskia spp. in Turkey
1Departament de Zoologia, Facultat de Ciencies Biologiques, Universitat de Valencia Dr. Moliner, 50, 46100 Burjassot, Spain; E-mail: vicente.roca@uv.es 2CIBIO Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, InBIO Universidade do Porto, Campus Agrario de Vairao, Rua Padre Armando Quintas, 7. 4485–661 Vairao, Vila do Conde, Portugal; E-mail: carretero@cibio.up.pt 3Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciencias da Universidade do Porto R. Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169–007 Porto, Portugal; E-mail: fatima.esperanca@cibio.up.pt 4Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Dokuz Eylul University, Buca, Izmir, Turkey E-mails: cetin.ilgaz@deu.edu.tr, yusuf.kumlutas@deu.edu.tr 5Department of Biology…
Preliminary health screening and possible pathogen determination in aBufo bufo(Linnaeus, 1758) (Amphibia: Bufonidae) population
The population of the common toad, Bufo bufo, on Jersey (Channel Islands, UK) has undergone a marked decline over recent years. Hypothesized causes for this decline include land use change, pollution, climate change and predation. We examined the carcasses of 97 wild adult common toads for gastrointestinal and pulmonary helminths. In addition, 31 adult toad carcasses were examined for the presence of ranavirus infection, and 212 wild common toads were examined for the presence of infection with the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. Three nematode species Rhabdias bufonis, Aplectana macintoshii and Oswaldocruzia filiformis, and one species of cestode, Nematotaenia dispar, were identifie…
Relationships between helminth communities and host traits inPodarcis bocageiandPodarcis carbonellifrom NW Portugal
A parasitological survey was carried out to determine the relationships between helminth fauna and some biological traits of two host species of lacertid lizards. Size, sex, diet, and season of collection, as well as infracommunities and component communities of Podarcis bocagei and P. carbonelli from Douro litoral (northwest Portugal), have been analysed. In both host species, we found low values of parasite infection parameters and diversity. These findings were in accordance with their feeding habits, eating only animal prey and no plant matter. Evidences suggest a relationship between the presence of Brachylaima sp (Trematoda: Brachylaimidae) and the ingestion of snails by both lizard s…
Examination of the Helminth Fauna of the Bermuda Skink, Plestiodon longirostris (Scincidae), Utilizing Faecal Analysis
Plestiodon longirostris is a critically endangered endemic skink living in the Bermuda archipelago. To know their intestinal parasites and evaluate the role that they may have in the conservation of the species, we have carried out a faecal analysis of some samples obtained from several populations. This type of analysis is presented as the most suitable for threatened species. The results show that P. longirostris has incorporated parasites from introduced species in Bermuda, and it is a competent host for these parasites. Nevertheless, the low prevalence of infection of these parasites suggests that they are not actually a threat to the endemic skink populations.
Helminth communities of two lizard populations (Lacertidae) from Canary Islands (Spain): Host diet-parasite relationships
Abstract A parasitological survey has been carried out to determine the relationships between host diet and parasite fauna. Diet, and infracommunities and component communities of two subspecies of lacertid lizards, Gallotia galloti galloti (Oudart, 1839) and G. g. palmae (Boettger et Müller, 1914) from Tenerife and La Palma islands (Canary Islands, Spain), have been analysed. High values of parasite infection parameters were found in both subspecies, which were only infected by nematodes of the family Pharyngodonidae. Plant matter was mainly consumed by both lizard subspecies and relevant amounts of mineral matter were also found in both hosts. Diet of these lacertid lizards was correlate…
The helminth community of the skink Chalcides sexlineatus from Gran Canaria (Canary Islands).
AbstractA survey of the gastrointestinal helminth communities of a population of Chalcides sexlineatus Steindachner, a small skink endemic to Gran Canaria island (Canary Archipelago, Spain), was conducted to determine the prevalence, abundance and species diversity of intestinal parasites in these reptiles. Only three parasite species were found, one cestode, Oochoristica agamae Baylis, 1919 and two nematodes, Parapharyngodon micipsae (Seurat, 1917) and Pharyngodonidae gen. sp. Helminth infracommunities of C. sexlineatus showed low values of abundance and species richness and diversity, being more similar to the helminth community of Tarentola boettgeri boettgeri (Steindachner) rather than …
Intestinal helminth communities of Podarcis bocagei and Podarcis carbonelli (Sauria: Lacertidae) in NW Portugal
Abstract A survey of gastrointestinal helminth communities of Podarcis bocagei and Podarcis carbonelli (Sauria: Lacertidae) from NW Portugal was conducted to determine the prevalence, intensity and diversity of intestinal parasites in these lizards. A few parasite species were found in both hosts, their prevalences, mean intensities and abundances of infection being low or very low. Low values of richness and abundance of parasite species were also found in the helminth infracommunities of individuals of both host species. These low values of parameters of infection and diversity are discussed and compared between both host species and among other Iberian lacertid lizards.
First helminthological data on Iberian vipers: Helminth communities and host-parasite relationships
AbstractEuropean vipers are ambush predators with sporadic feeding events, thereby maintaining the digestive tract empty for long periods. According to previous studies relating lizards’ dietary habits and their helminth faunas, we predict poor gastrointestinal helminth communities in vipers. To test this hypothesis, we have examined the digestive tract of 86 specimens of Vipera aspis (L., 1758) and V. latastei Boscá, 1878, from several localities of the Iberian Peninsula. We found adults of only two nematode species Kalicephalus viperae (Rud., 1819) and Ophidascaris sp. and cysts adhering to the external wall on the stomach in case of two other nematode species Ascarops strongylina (Rud., …
First Record of the Nematode Physaloptera squamatae in the Helminth Community of the Introduced Anole Anolis grahami (Polychrotidae) on Bermuda
The gastrointestinal helminth communities of five populations of Anolis grahami, an introduced anole on Bermuda, were surveyed to determine the prevalence, abundance, and species diversity of parasites in these reptiles. Only three nematode species were found, Atractis scelopori, Parapharyngodon cubensis, and Physaloptera squamatae. This species, P. squamatae, is recorded for the first time in Anolis grahami on Bermuda, probably introduced through its arthropod intermediate host. The role of the host A. grahami as a “spillover” agent for these parasites is discussed.
Evolution of alternative male morphotypes in oxyurid nematodes: a case of convergence?
Male dimorphism has been reported across different taxa and is usually expressed as the coexistence of a larger morph with exaggerated male traits and a smaller one with reduced traits. The evolution and maintenance of male dimorphism are still poorly understood for several of the species in which it has been observed. Here, we analyse male dimorphism in several species of reptile parasitic nematodes of the genus Spauligodon, in which a major male morph (exaggerated morph), which presents the traditional male morphological traits reported for this taxon, coexists with a minor morph with reduced morphological traits (i.e. reduced genital papillae) resembling more closely the males of the sis…
The importance of integrative approaches in nematode taxonomy: the validity of Parapharyngodon and Thelandros as distinct genera
AbstractDespite the advances of molecular tools, new nematode species are still described mainly based on morphological characters. Parapharyngodon and Thelandros are two genera of oxyurids with unclear related taxonomic histories. Here we use morphological characters (linear measurements and categorical variables) and genetic information (18S rRNA, 28S rRNA and COI partial gene sequences) to confirm the relationships between representatives of these two genera and to determine whether they can be discriminated morphologically. Genetic results confirm the existence of two main clades, mostly congruent with Parapharyngodon and Thelandros genera but with several discordances. Thelandros is po…
Cryptic species unveiled: the case of the nematode Spauligodon atlanticus
The implementation of molecular tools in parasitology has led to the discovery of numerous cryptic species. However, detailed morphological studies are needed to evaluate the cryptic nature of such species, as well as to provide an appropriate and formal description. Recent phylogenetic analyses using mitochondrial and nuclear genes have revealed that the nematode Spauligodon atlanticus, parasite of lizards of the genus Gallotia endemic to the Canary Islands, consists of two highly divergent and unrelated lineages, one in the eastern islands and the other in the western ones. This study provides a detailed morphological analysis of the two S. atlanticus lineages characterized genetically, b…
Gastrointestinal helminths found in the three freshwater turtles (Erymnochelys madagascariensis, Pelomedusa subrufa and Pelusios castanoides) from Ankarafantsika National Park, Madagascar
Abstract We conducted a survey of the presence, prevalence and diversity of gastrointestinal helminths in faecal samples and stomach contents of three turtle species, — Erymnochelys madagascariensis (Chelonia: Podocnemididae), Pelomedusa subrufa and Pelusios castanoides (Chelonia: Pelomedusidae), — from several localities in Madagascar. Four nematode species were detected: Atractis chabaudi, Camallanus chelonius, Falcaustra pelusios, and Spiroxys sp. E. madagascariensis, with all four species, had the greatest helminth diversity. A. chabaudi was the community’s core species, whereas Spiroxys sp. was a satellite species. Only two species (A. chabaudi and Spiroxys sp.) were found in P. subruf…
Host-parasite relationships of Zootoca vivipara (Sauria: Lacertidae) in the Pyrenees (North Spain)
The helminths infesting the common lizard, Zootoca vivipara (Jacquin, 1787), were studied with special attention to the relations between the number of nematodes, Oswaldocruzia filiformis (Goeze, 1782), and the size, sex and age class of the host. The possible seasonality of the parasite intensity and the relationship with the feeding habits of the host were also tested. Helminth infracommunities of Z. vivipara were depauperate with lizards harbouring only two species, the trematode Plagiorchis molini (Lent et Freitas, 1940) and the nematode O. filiformis. A positive correlation between host size and the number of O. filiformis was found for female Z. vivipara. However, no correlation was d…
Redescription of Skrjabinodon medinae (García-Calvente, 1948) (Nematoda: Pharyngodonidae) from the cloaca of Podarcis pityusensis (Bosca, 1883) (Sauria: Lacertidae) of the Balearic Islands (Spain)
Pharyngodon medinae Garcia-Calvente, 1948 (Nematoda: Pharyngodonidae) is redescribed from Podarcis pityusensis (Bosca, 1883) (Sauria: Lacertidae) of the Balearic Islands (Spain) and confirmed as a member of the genus Skrjabinodon Inglis, 1968. A systematic review of S. medinae and closely related species is also given. Parathelandros canariensis is referred to Skrjabinodon as a new combination and Parathelandros Magzoub et al., 1980 is dismissed as a junior homonym of Parathelandros Baylis, 1930.
Helminth parasitizing <em>Iberolacerta cyreni</em> (Müller et Hellmich, 1937) from Gredos Mountains, Iberian Peninsula
A survey of the helminth communities of a population of Iberolacerta cyreni (Müller et Hellmich, 1937), a small lizard endemic to Sistema Central (Iberian Peninsula), was conducted to determine the prevalence, abundance and species diversity of parasites of these reptiles. Four species of helminths were found, one trematode, Plagiorchis molini Lent et Freitas, 1940, one cestode, Nematotaenia tarentolae López-Neyra, 1944, and two nematodes, Skrjabinelazia sp. and Spauligodon carbonelli Roca & García-Adell, 1988. Helminth infracommunities of I. cireny showed very low values of abundance and species richness and diversity, being similar to other European lizards. The parasites found seem t…
Relationships between helminth communities and diet in Canarian lizards: the evidence from Gallotia atlantica (Squamata: Lacertidae)
Diet and helminth fauna were analysed in the lizard Gallotia atlantica (Squamata: Lacertidae), the smallest species of this genus endemic to Lanzarote and Fuerteventura (Canary Islands), in an attempt to confirm previous claims of relationships between these ecological traits in this genus. A total of 70 lizards belonging to the subspecies atlantica (central southern Lanzarote), laurae (northern Lanzarote) and mahoratae (Fuerteventura) were examined. Compared with other Gallotia, the helminth fauna was impoverished, particularly in Fuerteventura, where the absence of larval cestodes suggests low predation pressure. Diet was omnivorous, the plant fraction (73.03–84.26%) included seeds and fr…
Parasitic infracommunities of the Aegean wall lizard Podarcis erhardii (Lacertidae, Sauria): isolation and impoverishment in small island populations
AbstractThe Aegean wall lizard Podarcis erhardii, is widely distributed across the islands of the Aegean Sea (Greece). While there exists a relatively substantial body of knowledge on the ecology and life history of the species, the parasite communities of the taxon remain almost completely unknown. Quantifying the composition of these communities in P. erhardii is not only important for autoecological reasons, but also because inter-island comparisons of this lizard's parasite communities can shed light on the factors that structure parasite diversity in general. Here we investigate the gastrointestinal parasite communities of P. erhardii populations occurring on 16 landbridge islands of t…
Intestinal parasites of unisexual and bisexual lizards Darevskia spp. (Lacertidae) from Northeastern Anatolia
Summary Four bisexual and two unisexual species of the lizard genus Darevskia from northeastern Anatolia were searched for intestinal parasites in adult specimens. One cestode, Nematotaenia tarentolae, and two nematode species, Spauligodon saxicolae and Strongyloides darevskyi, were found, the latest identified as a Darevskia specialist. No major differences between host species were recorded. The very low infection rates and diversity result in depauperate helminth communities for all these lacertid lizards being the lowest among the Palaearctic saurians. Patterns of these helminth communities are compared with those observed in other lacertid lizards from Anatolia and Europe.
Relationship between diet and helminths in Gallotia caesaris (Sauria: Lacertidae)
Diet and helminth fauna were analysed in Gallotia caesaris, a small lacertid lizard endemic to El Hierro (Canary Islands, Spain) in order to study the evolutionary and functional relationships between the two traits. This species is omnivorous but consumed a high proportion (82.13%) of plant matter including not only seeds but also leaves and other vegetative parts. Helminth fauna included many helminth species typical of herbivorous reptiles. Both herbivory and helminth presence were higher than expected for a lizard of its size. Comparison with other lacertids suggests that both traits result from an adaptation to insular conditions but that some "evolutionary time" to develop them is nee…
The intestinal helminth community of the spiny-tailed lizard Darevskia rudis (Squamata, Lacertidae) from northern Turkey
AbstractPopulations of the lizard Darevskia rudis (Bedriaga, 1886) from northern Anatolia were examined for intestinal parasites in adult specimens. One cestode, Nematotaenia tarentolae López-Neyra, 1944 and four nematode species, Spauligodon saxicolae Sharpilo, 1962, Skrjabinelazia hoffmanni Li, 1934, Oswaldocruzia filiformis (Goeze, 1782) and Strongyloides darevskyi Sharpilo, 1976, were found. Three of these nematodes, S. saxicolae, S. hoffmanni and S. darevskyi are suggested to be part of a module in the network of Darevskia spp. and their parasites. Only one, S. darevskyi, was identified as a Darevskia spp. specialist. The very low infection and diversity parameters are indicative of th…
A new species of the genus Spiroxys (Nematoda: Gnathostomatidae) from Madagascan pleurodiran turtles (Pelomedusidae)
AbstractSpiroxys ankarafantsika, sp. nov. is described from Madagascar in two species of freshwater turtles, Pelusios castanoides and Pelomedusa subrufa. Spiroxys ankarafantsika differs from other species of the genus in having pseudolabial teeth only on the median lobes and no other cuticular prominences, a smooth cuticular collar, deirides as cervical minute spine-like projections, and a gubernaculum without tubes. This is the first record of a nominal species of the genus Spiroxys from the Ethiopian region.
Chromosome studies of trematodesOpisthioglyphe ranae(Plagiorchiidae) from different populations
Summary The diploid set of O. ranae from two localities, small rivers Penaquilla (Alicante province) and Gaibiel (Castellon province) in Spain, contain 22 chromosomes. The structure of karyotype was: 1st M+2nd T+3rd, 7–10 th SM+4th-6th ST+11th M-SM. Chromosomes of the first pair constitute 19.75% of the total haploid set length. A comparative karyological analysis of geographically separate O. ranae populations (from Spain, Poland and Crimea) showed the great karyological stability. Insignificant interpopulational differences in the morphology of 1st, 4th, 5th, 7th and 10th chromosome pairs were detected, which occurred as a result of small pericentric inversions.
Data from: Evolution of alternative male morphotypes in oxyurid nematodes: a case of convergence?
Male dimorphism has been reported across different taxa, and is usually expressed as the coexistence of a larger morph with exaggerated male traits and a smaller one with reduced traits. The evolution and maintenance of male dimorphism are still poorly understood for several of the species in which it has been observed. Here, we analyse male dimorphism in several species of reptile parasitic nematodes of the genus Spauligodon, in which a major male morph (exaggerated morph), which presents the traditional male morphological traits reported for this taxon, coexists with a minor morph with reduced morphological traits (i.e. reduced genital papillae) resembling more closely the males of the si…
Data from: Getting there and around: host range oscillations during colonisation of the Canary Islands by the parasitic nematode Spauligodon
Episodes of expansion and isolation in geographic range over space and time, during which parasites have the opportunity to expand their host range, are linked to the development of host-parasite mosaic assemblages and parasite diversification. In this study we investigated whether island colonisation events lead to host range oscillations in a taxon of host-specific parasitic nematodes of the genus Spauligodon in the Canary Islands. We further investigated if range oscillations also resulted in shifts in host breadth (i.e. specialization), as expected for parasites on islands. Parasite phylogeny and divergence time estimates were inferred from molecular data with Bayesian methods. Host div…