Development of Pelodera strongyloides (Schneider, 1860) Schneider, 1866 (Nematoda: Rhabditidae) in Culture

Abstract

ABSTRACTDauerlarvae of Pelodera strongyloides, recovered from two species of lemmings, Dicrostonyx groenlandicus (Traill) and Lemmus trimucronatus (Richardson) trapped at Eskimo Point, N. W. T., were cultured on agar medium with E. coli. Development from egg to adult stage was followed. Eggs hatched between 22 and 26 hours at 22°C. The first moult occurred 24 to 28 hours after the eggs hatched, the second at 40 to 48 hours, the third at 60 to 64 hours and the fourth at 84 to 88 hours at 22°C. Adults lived approximately 5 to 6 days and females oviposited for 2 to 3 days during this time. All stages were measured and described. The effect of temperature on development was examined. Dauerlarvae survived freezing temperatures, short periods of desiccation and prolonged periods without food.