K. D. Lafferty A. M. Kuris M.E. Torchin 1996 <p><span>The recent introduction of the European green crab, <i>Carcinus maenas</i>, to the west coast of the U.S. has provided an opportunity for host transfer of the symbiotic nemertean egg predator, <i>Carcinonemertes epialti</i>, from its native shore crab host, <i>Hemigrapsus oregonensis</i> to the exotic <i>C. maenas</i>. Two surveys of <i>C. maenas</i> in Bodega Harbor, California, revealed that, in March 1995 prevalence of <i>C. epialti</i> on <i>C. maenas</i> was significantly lower than on <i>H. oregonensis</i> (11% versus 74%), but in November 1995 there was no significant difference between the 2 species (79% versus 98%). Only juvenile <i>C. epialti</i> were recovered from <i>C. maenas</i> in March 1995. However, in November 1995, ovigerous <i>C. maenas</i> were harboring actively feeding adult worms. Prevalence in both crab species significantly differed from March to November. Laboratory studies revealed that <i>C. epialti</i> fed and reproduced on eggs of <i>C. maenas</i>. The feeding rate of <i>C. epialti</i> on <i>C. maenas</i> eggs (2.5 eggs/trial) was not significantly different from that on <i>H. oregonensis</i> eggs (3.6 eggs/trial). Our findings suggest that this nemertean may have less host specificity than was previously thought. If <i>C. epialti</i> causes brood mortality of <i>C. maenas</i> in nature, it could potentially impact populations of this exotic crab.</span></p> application/pdf 10.2307/3284084 en Allen Press Infestation of an introduced host, the European green crab, Carcinus maenas by a native symbiotic nemertean egg predator, Carcinonemertes epialti article