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Purpose <p>Parasites are generally thought to regulate host population density by reducing reproductive activity and/or increasing host mortality. This study examined the infection of nematodes of the family Mermithidae, which may have lethal and castrating effects on their hosts, in a natural population of the host isopod <i>Armadillidium vulgare</i> in Japan.</p> Methods <p>Isopods were collected almost monthly (2021–2023) using quadrat sampling (<i>N</i> = 3, 50&#xa0;cm × 50&#xa0;cm) at a station in Japan. We recorded prevalence of hosts, numbers of sampled hosts and body length frequency distributions of infected and uninfected hosts.</p> Results <p>Among 1553 hosts sampled, the overall infection prevalence was 4.2%. Particularly high values between 10% and 28% were observed from June to July, which is the period of the hosts’ reproduction and subsequent natural death.</p> Conclusion <p>While the lethal effects of infection may have a limited impact on host density, infection during the reproductive season suggests decrease in reproductive activity, potentially reducing the population size of the next host generation.</p>

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Infection of Mermithid Nematodes in a Natural Population of Armadillidium vulgare in Japan

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年6月15日

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  • Anzai Naoya,
  • Tsukasa Waki

摘要

Purpose

Parasites are generally thought to regulate host population density by reducing reproductive activity and/or increasing host mortality. This study examined the infection of nematodes of the family Mermithidae, which may have lethal and castrating effects on their hosts, in a natural population of the host isopod Armadillidium vulgare in Japan.

Methods

Isopods were collected almost monthly (2021–2023) using quadrat sampling (N = 3, 50 cm × 50 cm) at a station in Japan. We recorded prevalence of hosts, numbers of sampled hosts and body length frequency distributions of infected and uninfected hosts.

Results

Among 1553 hosts sampled, the overall infection prevalence was 4.2%. Particularly high values between 10% and 28% were observed from June to July, which is the period of the hosts’ reproduction and subsequent natural death.

Conclusion

While the lethal effects of infection may have a limited impact on host density, infection during the reproductive season suggests decrease in reproductive activity, potentially reducing the population size of the next host generation.