Host Stadium Specificity in the Gregarine Assemblage Parasitizing Tenebrio molitor

Authors

Richard E. Clopton, Peru State CollegeFollow
John J. Janovy Jr., University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
Tamara J. Percival Cook, Sam Houston State UniversityFollow

Date of this Version

4-1992

Comments

Published in the Journal of Parasitology (April 1992) 78(2): 334-337. Copyright 1992, the American Society of Parasitologists. Used by permission.

Abstract

Reciprocal cross-stadia experimental infections were used to demonstrate stadium specificity within the gregarine assemblage parasitizing Tenebrio molitor, the yellow mealworm. Gregarina cuneata, Gregarina polymorpha, and Gregarina steini are characteristic parasites of larval T. molitor. Gregarina niphandrodes is a characteristic parasite of adult T. molitor. Experimental infections were produced in all homologous host-parasite combinations. No infection was produced in heterologous or cross-stadia combinations. This study introduces the concept of separate, distinct parasite niches corresponding to separate life cycle stages and established by known, predictable life cycle events within a single host species.