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Infestation of an introduced host, the European green crab, Carcinus maenas by a native symbiotic nemertean egg predator, Carcinonemertes epialti

Journal of Parasitology
By: , , and 
https://doi.org/10.2307/3284084

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Abstract

The recent introduction of the European green crab, Carcinus maenas, to the west coast of the U.S. has provided an opportunity for host transfer of the symbiotic nemertean egg predator, Carcinonemertes epialti, from its native shore crab host, Hemigrapsus oregonensis to the exotic C. maenas. Two surveys of C. maenas in Bodega Harbor, California, revealed that, in March 1995 prevalence of C. epialti on C. maenas was significantly lower than on H. oregonensis (11% versus 74%), but in November 1995 there was no significant difference between the 2 species (79% versus 98%). Only juvenile C. epialti were recovered from C. maenas in March 1995. However, in November 1995, ovigerous C. maenas were harboring actively feeding adult worms. Prevalence in both crab species significantly differed from March to November. Laboratory studies revealed that C. epialti fed and reproduced on eggs of C. maenas. The feeding rate of C. epialti on C. maenas eggs (2.5 eggs/trial) was not significantly different from that on H. oregonensis eggs (3.6 eggs/trial). Our findings suggest that this nemertean may have less host specificity than was previously thought. If C. epialti causes brood mortality of C. maenas in nature, it could potentially impact populations of this exotic crab.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Infestation of an introduced host, the European green crab, Carcinus maenas by a native symbiotic nemertean egg predator, Carcinonemertes epialti
Series title Journal of Parasitology
DOI 10.2307/3284084
Volume 82
Year Published 1996
Language English
Publisher Allen Press
Contributing office(s) Western Ecological Research Center
Description 5 p.
First page 449
Last page 453
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