The first record of hyperparasitism in mermithid nematodes
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Summary
The Mermithidae are primarily simple parasitoids of insects. In this study, we report the first observation of hyperparasitism by mermithid nematodes. Two Mermithidae individuals emerged from a specimen of the parasitoid wasp Coleocentrus incertus collected in Hokkaido, Japan. Although the nematodes were in the juvenile stage and many morphological characteristics were underdeveloped, we were able to observe cross fibre layers on the cuticles. A molecular sequence analysis of the 18S ribosomal DNA suggested that the nematode belonged to the genus Hexamermis, which was supported by the presence of the cross fibre layers. The phylogenetic analysis also suggested a close relationship between our specimens and ‘Mermithidae sp. NM1’, a taxon found in bumblebees, as differences between the sequences of the two taxa were minimal; however, further research is required to confirm the species’ identity. Hyperparasitism by nematodes is rare and is typically unsuccessful in non-host species, yet the nematodes in this study successfully parasitised a parasitoid wasp. Our study is the first to demonstrate that mermithid nematodes can exhibit hyperparasitism in addition to their known parasitic behaviour. The parasitic strategies of Mermithidae nematodes appear to be more flexible than previously assumed, indicating a high degree of adaptability as parasites.
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The first record of hyperparasitism in mermithid nematodes
In: NematologySearch for other papers by Yuta Fujimori in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Natsumi Kanzaki in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Ryoji Shinya in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Summary
The Mermithidae are primarily simple parasitoids of insects. In this study, we report the first observation of hyperparasitism by mermithid nematodes. Two Mermithidae individuals emerged from a specimen of the parasitoid wasp Coleocentrus incertus collected in Hokkaido, Japan. Although the nematodes were in the juvenile stage and many morphological characteristics were underdeveloped, we were able to observe cross fibre layers on the cuticles. A molecular sequence analysis of the 18S ribosomal DNA suggested that the nematode belonged to the genus Hexamermis, which was supported by the presence of the cross fibre layers. The phylogenetic analysis also suggested a close relationship between our specimens and ‘Mermithidae sp. NM1’, a taxon found in bumblebees, as differences between the sequences of the two taxa were minimal; however, further research is required to confirm the species’ identity. Hyperparasitism by nematodes is rare and is typically unsuccessful in non-host species, yet the nematodes in this study successfully parasitised a parasitoid wasp. Our study is the first to demonstrate that mermithid nematodes can exhibit hyperparasitism in addition to their known parasitic behaviour. The parasitic strategies of Mermithidae nematodes appear to be more flexible than previously assumed, indicating a high degree of adaptability as parasites.
| All Time | Past 365 days | Past 30 Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abstract Views | 464 | 464 | 46 |
| Full Text Views | 75 | 75 | 7 |
| PDF Views & Downloads | 184 | 184 | 20 |
