Parasite assemblages in the Western whip snakeHierophis viridiflavus carbonarius(Colubridae) from southern Italy

Abstract

AbstractParasite assemblages of the Western whip snakeHierophis viridiflavus carbonariuswere investigated from the Calabria region in southern Italy. A total of 14 parasite taxa including 6 nematodes, 3 acanthocephalans, 2 cestodes, 2 digeneans and a single pentastomid was identified. Within the study area,H. v. carbonariusserves as the final host for seven species of helminths, of which only four (Hexametra quadricornis,Kalicephalus viperae,Paracapillaria sonsinoiandRenifer aniarum) can be considered as snake specialists, while one (Oswaldocruzia filiformis) is shared with other reptiles and amphibians, and two (Paradistomum mutabileandRhabdias fuscovenosa) with lizards. A large proportion of larval forms of six helminth taxa (about 95% of all helminths collected) was found, for whichH. v. carbonariusserves as an intermediate and/or paratenic host; however, adult stages of helminths were prevalent in snakes with snout-to-vent length greater than 70 cm. Our results suggest that ontogenetic and ecological factors should exert a strong influence upon the helminth assemblage of Western whip snakes. We concluded thatH. v. carbonariusplays an important role in southern Italy as an intermediate/paratenic host for species of helminths infecting vertebrate groups which may include this snake species within their feeding chain. Eleven taxa, including three potential agents of zoonosis, were added to the poorly known parasite fauna of this host.