Abstract
Understanding the host specificity of trematode larvae is vital in predicting the mode of trophic level transfer of trematode parasites and their evolution. In this study, six species of trematode metacercariae, Eumegacetes sp., Orthetrotrema monostomum, Ganeo tigrinus, Mehraorchis sp., Pleurogenoides sp. and Phyllodistomum sp. infecting the larvae of the odonate family Libellulidae from the water bodies in the Wayanad region of the Western Ghats are recorded. The prevalence of infection of these metacercariae was 5.8%, 2.0%, 10.4%, 9.1%, 2.6% & 1.3%, respectively. Further, the mean intensity of infection was estimated to be 4.44, 1.67, 5.38, 6.21, 6.0 & 17.5 and the mean abundance 0.26, 0.03, 0.56, 0.56, 0.16 & 0.23 respectively.
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Acknowledgements
Sherin Chacko [IF17071] is grateful to the Department of Science & Technology (DST) INSPIRE program for providing Inspire Fellowship to carry out this study. The author is also thankful to Dr. A. R. Sudha Devi, Associate Professor, Dept. of Zoology and Research Centre, Mary Matha Arts and Science College for her support and research related guidance throughout the work. All the facilities provided by the Mary Matha Arts and Science College, Mananthavady and the Department of Zoology of Kannur University are also thankfully put on record.
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Dr. Prasadan P. K. designed and guided the study. Mrs. Sherin Chacko carried out the survey, collected and studied the metacercariae in detail. The manuscript was written by both the authors. All applicable international, national, and/or institutional guidelines for the care and use of animals were followed. All procedures performed in the study involving animals were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institution or practice at which the study was conducted.
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Chacko, S., Kandambeth, P.P. Studies on trematode metacercariae infecting libellulid larvae from the Western Ghats, Wayanad region. J Parasit Dis 46, 159–165 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12639-021-01429-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12639-021-01429-3