Penetration and Development of the Mermithid Nematode Reesimermis, nielseni in Eighteen Species of Mosquitoes

Authors

  • J. J. Petersen

Abstract

The susceptibility of 18 species of mosquitoes to the infective stage of the mermithid nematode Reesimermis nielseni was compared to that of Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus. Thirteen species were more susceptible, with three Anopheles species and Culiseta inornata the most susceptible. Aedes triseriatus, Culex territans, and Psorophoraferox were highly resistant. Resistance to R. nielseniappeared to be behavioral, physical, or physiological, and some host species exhibited one or more types of defense mechanisms. No noticeable differences were apparent in the degree of susceptibility of a native-and a laboratory strain of C. p. quinquqfasciatus to R. nielseni. Key Words: parasitism, biological control, host resistance.

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Published

1975-07-15

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Section

Articles