A Gregarine Parasite of Aedes hendersoni in Colorado
Date of Award
2017
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Biology
Department
Biology
Chief Instructor
Todd P. Livdahl
Second Reader
David S. Hibbett
Third Reader
John S. Soghigian
Keywords
Entomology, Ecology, Parasitology
Abstract
Aedes hendersoni and Ae. triseriatus are closely related species of mosquitoes that are sympatric in most of their range. Previous studies have shown that Ascogregarina barretti, a gregarine parasite of Ae. triseriatus that can infect both species, may modify the competitive interaction between them by disproportionately harming Ae. hendersoni, giving Ae. triseriatus an advantage. It has also been suggested that Ae. hendersoni may have its own species of gregarine parasite, but little is known about this species. In this study, a gregarine parasite was isolated from Ae. hendersoni in an area where Ae. triseriatus does not occur. Morphological examination, phylogenetic analysis, and an experimental cross infection were conducted to learn about this gregarine and determine if it is distinct from A. barretti. A small but significant size difference, strongly supported phylogenetic distinction, and inability for this parasite to infect Ae. triseriatus were found, suggesting that it is a distinct species.
Recommended Citation
Seeley, Levi, "A Gregarine Parasite of Aedes hendersoni in Colorado" (2017). Biology. 6.
https://commons.clarku.edu/biology_masters_papers/6