Observations on a nematode parasite of Aedes vexans (Diptera:Culicidae) in Manitoba

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Abstract
A mermithid nematode, commonly found in Aedes vexans adults in southern Manitoba, was reared through four successive generations in the laboratory. Young larvae were readily infected by preparasites. The mean infection rate was 40% when equal numbers of larvae and preparasites were exposed.Very little development of the nematode occurred until the middle of the fourth instar and then it accelerated in the pupa and adult stages. The median time to the postparasitic juvenile stage was 14 days after host eclosion.Both male and female mosquitoes were suitable hosts for the nematode. Host diet, host sex, and multiple parasitism affected the size of the postparasites. A blood meal was not required by the female mosquito for development of the parasite, but a higher proportion of female postparasites was obtained when blood was given.Pools containing infected larvae were found in Winnipeg. Aedes vexans larvae were heavily parasitized, whereas Aedes dorsalis in the same pools had only light infections. Aedes vexans was the best host out of several species tested in the laboratory.

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