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The effects of age, temperature and shadow stimuli on activity patterns of the cercariae of Cryptocotyle lingua (Digenea: Heterophyidae)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 April 2009

J. G. Rea  and
S. W. B. Irwin
J. G. Rea
Affiliation:
School of Applied Biological and Chemical Sciences, University of Ulster at Jordanstown, Co. Antrim BT37 0QB, N. Ireland
S. W. B. Irwin
Affiliation:
School of Applied Biological and Chemical Sciences, University of Ulster at Jordanstown, Co. Antrim BT37 0QB, N. Ireland
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Summary

The behaviour of cercariae was recorded on video at 10, 20 and 30 °C and a combination of population and individual behavioural patterns studied. Initially cercarial populations were extremely active, individuals alternating between swimming and sinking behaviour. As they aged the percentage sinking and resting increased resulting in the establishment of a vertical distribution in the water column. An increased environmental temperature reduced the active life-span of the parasites. Over time cercarial swimming rates declined. Swimming rates increased with environmental temperature and as a result of a shadow stimulus. As cercariae aged, the duration of swimming events decreased. Post-stimulation swimming periods were significantly longer than pre-stimulation periods. Pre- and post-stimulation swimming distances also declined with age. Post-stimulation swimming distances were significantly longer than pre-stimulation distances. The sinking rates of cercariae decreased with age while sinking periods and distances increased. Data for proportional time spent swimming and the ratio of sinking to swimming events indicated that as cercariae aged, less time was spent swimming. The frequency of swimming/sinking events declined with age. The implications of this behaviour for dispersal and transmission are discussed.

Keywords

Cryptocotylecercariaebehaviouragetemperature.
Type
Research Article
Information
Parasitology , Volume 111 , Issue 1 , July 1995 , pp. 95 - 101
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1995

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