On the experimental susceptibility of some Hygromiinae (Mollusca, Stylommatophora) species, as intermediate hosts of Neostrongylus linearis (Nematoda, Protostrongylidae)

Abstract

The experimental susceptibility of Portugala inchoata, Euomphalia (M.) brigantina, Ponentina ponentina, Hygromia (P.) cantabrica cantabrica and Hygromia (P.) cantabrica covadongae to Neostrongylus linearis larvae were studied for the first time. The total number of molluscs used in the infections was 207 and they were killed in series between day 6 and 5O post-infection. In order to define the suitability of the molluscs as intermediate hosts for this parasite, the number of L-I that penetrated the foot and developed to L-I, L-II and L-III has been taken into account, as well as the first days on which the different stages were observed. One way analysis of variance showed statistically significant differences for the penetration and development of the larvae among the species of molluscs examined. Statistically significant differences concerning the susceptibility of the adult and young examples of P. inchoata and E. (M.) brigantina to N. linearis were confirmed by using the chi-square test. The most susceptible species of molluscs to N. linearis using experimental infections were in decreasing order: P. inchoata, E.(M.) brigantina, H.(P.) cantabrica covadongae, P. ponentina and H.(P.) cantabrica cantabrica.