Population regulation in parasitic nematodes (Thelastomatidae) of cockroaches

Abstract

Populations of four species of thelastomatid nematode in six species of cockroach were regulated by a density- and sex-dependent mechanism. Regulation resulted in an underdispersed (regular) or random distribution of parasites. No cockroach contained more than one adult or juvenile male and rarely more than two adult females, and monogamy was common. Juvenile males were rare whereas juvenile females were relatively common, suggesting that males developed rapidly and were eliminated rapidly from hosts (leaving one). Prevalence of infection varied markedly between cockroach species.

Keywords:

• regulation
• populations
• nematodes
• cockroach
• Thelastomatidae
• parasites