The effects of host diet onThelastoma attenuatum(Nematoda: Thelastomatidae) populations in cockroaches

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Abstract
Experiments were constructed to assess the ellects or changes in the diet ofPeriplaneta americanaonThelastoma attenuatum. Synthetic diets depressed parasitaemia although apparently adequate for the host. However, adult worms were supported best by high carbohydrate levels although protein was necessary for the final moult. Little effect was observed on the distribution of worms within the htndgut although excess roughage appeared to result in a slight backward migration. Egg output per worm remained fairly constant but rose slightly under conditions of extreme stress. Dietary changes affected the size of adult female worms differentially but had little apparent effect on food reserves. Possible reasons for the changes are discussed