Parthenogenesis and asexual multiplication among parasitic platyhelminths

Parasitology ◽  
1983 ◽  
Vol 86 (4) ◽  
pp. 121-160 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. J. Whitfield ◽  
N. A. Evans
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Population Expansion ◽  
Life Cycles ◽  
Intermediate Hosts ◽  
Present Evidence ◽  
Stage Of Development ◽  
The Family ◽  
Asexual Multiplication ◽  
Modes Of Existence ◽  
First Intermediate Host

SUMMARYAmong flatworms with parasitic and commensal modes of existence, parthenogenesis and asexual multiplication appear to be largely confined to the Digenea and Cestoda, the only parasitic platyhelminths that routinely utilize indirect life-cycles. Parthenogenesis is apparently restricted to a minority of adult digeneans and cestodes inhabiting their final hosts, and a survey is made of the particular modes of parthenogenesis (i.e. apomictic, automictic and generative) which are employed by such adults. Asexual (amictic) multiplication, in the form of fissioning, is demonstrated by young adults of the cyclophyllidean cestode, Mesoces-toides corti, but is otherwise not exhibited by adult cestodes or digeneans, other than in the perplexing phenomenon of proglottid formation in polyzoic tapeworms. Secondary multiplication is of ubiquitous occurrence in digenean life-cycles in the form of the proliferation which takes place within sporocysts and rediae (germinal sacs) located in the first intermediate host. The controversy concerning the nature of this multiplication is reconsidered in the context of recent findings which have centred on cellular aspects. On the basis of present evidence germinal sac multiplication should be regarded as an asexual rather than a parthen-ogenetic process. The cestode asexual multiplication which occurs in intermediate hosts is a function of the metacestode stage of development. Metacestode proliferation is only known from about 20 species and 6 families of polyzoic cestodes with approximately half the described instances occurring in the family Taeniidae. The organization of these proliferative metacestodes, findings concerning their totipotent stem cells and the ontogeny of buds and new scolices are all reviewed. Finally, the capacity for population expansion of multiplicative larval digeneans and metacestodes are compared, while the ecological roles and the genetical consequences of both parthenogenesis and amictic multiplication in the two taxa are also examined.

The development of Neoechinorhynchus buttnerae (Eoacanthocephala: Neoechinorhynchidae) in its intermediate host Cypridopsis vidua in Brazil

2018 ◽  
Vol 63 (2) ◽  
pp. 354-359 ◽  
Author(s):  
Felipe de Sousa Lourenço ◽  
Germán Augusto Murrieta Morey ◽  
José Celso de Oliveira Malta
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Intermediate Host ◽  
Intermediate Hosts ◽  
Experimental Procedure ◽  
Stage Of Development ◽  
Lack Of Information ◽  
Brazilian Amazon Region ◽  
The Family ◽  
Cypridopsis Vidua

AbstractThe family Neoechinorhynchidae includes seven species ofNeoechinorhynchusfrom freshwater fishes of Brazil. Although severalNeoechinorhynchusspecies are cited infecting different fish species in Brazil, there is a lack of information concerning to their life cycle and the identification of the intermediate hosts. Thus, the aim of the present study was to describe the development ofNeoechinorhynchus buttneraein its intermediate host collected in a fish farm located in Rio Preto da Eva, Amazonas, Brazil. To verify the presence ofN. buttneraein the fish pond, twentyColossoma macropomumwere captured and analyzed, being corroborated the presence of this parasite species. Samples of plankton were also collected, finding the ostracodCypridopsis viduaas the intermediate host. For the description of the larvae development, a laboratory experimental procedure was conducted by feeding the collected ostracods with the eggs of the adult specimens taken from the sampled fish. To observe the stages of development an artificial hatch was performed. Every stage of development was photographed, measured, drawn and described. The time of development of the immature stages ofN. buttneraewas 29 days, reporting the stages: acanthor, acanthella (with eight developmental changes) and cystacanth. As high infections byN. buttneraecauses morphological damages to the intestine and may compromise the quality ofC. macropomumand in consequence the production of fish farmers in the Brazilian Amazon region, the knowledge of its intermediate host and the understanding of its life cycle represents a useful information to prevent and combat infections by this parasite.

scholarly journals Parasite burden in decapod crustaceans from the central coast of Chile: is there any association with the relationship with definitive host abundances?

2017 ◽  
Vol 43 (4) ◽  
pp. 726-738
Author(s):  
Natalia Leiva ◽  
Mario George-Nascimento ◽  
Gabriela Muñoz
Keyword(s):  
Definitive Host ◽  
Parasite Burden ◽  
Life Cycles ◽  
Rocky Intertidal ◽  
Decapod Crustaceans ◽  
Intermediate Hosts ◽  
Rocky Intertidal Zone ◽  
The Family ◽  
Intertidal Habitats ◽  
The Relationship

Crustaceans play an important role in parasite life cycles, serving as second intermediate hosts. However, there are scarce parasitological studies in crustaceans from the rocky intertidal habitats, in Chile and around de world. In this study we aimed to record the parasites in decapod crustaceans, compare their parasitic loads between localities and relate them with the abundance of the definitive hosts (fishes and birds). Between July and September 2013, 409 crustacean specimens, corresponding to 16 species, were collected from the rocky intertidal zone of two localities of central Chile (33°S), Las Cruces and Montemar. Of out the sample, 65.5% was parasitized; counting 2,410 metacercariae and 18 nematodes. One group of these metacercariae belonged to the family Opecoelidae; while others corresponded to the family Microphallidae. Nematodes belonged to the family Cystidicolidae. The highest prevalence and abundance of opecoelids were in P. violaceus (96.9%, 13.59 ± 17.50 parasites/crustacean), microphallids were mostly recorded in the crab Petrolisthes tuberculosus (42.3%, 11.08 ± 4.8 parasites/crustacean), while cystidicolids were less prevalent and abundant than digenean at both localities. Parasite loads was affected by body size, locality and species of crustacean hosts. No association was found between parasite loads in these intermediate hosts and the abundance of definitive hosts. The low relationships between parasite loads and host abundances may be due to several reasons, such as a wide trophic spectrum and great capacity of movement, which would not contribute to the parasite transmission and the direct relationship with the definitive host abundances.

scholarly journals Cestodes of Antarctic and Subantarctic fish: History and prospects of research

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 79-93
Author(s):  
T. A. Polyakova ◽  
I. I. Gordeev
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Position ◽  
Life Cycles ◽  
Fish Parasites ◽  
Intermediate Hosts ◽  
Cestode Species ◽  
Dissostichus Mawsoni ◽  
The North ◽  
The Family ◽  
Muraenolepis Marmorata ◽  
High Level

The first information about cestodes of Antarctic and Subantarctic fish appeared at the beginning of the XX century: a cestode Phyllobothrium dentatum from an unknown shark was described. Peak of activity of studying Antarctic cestodes fell on 1990–2006. During this period, significant works were published, devoted to description of new species, their life cycles, host specificity of cestodes – fish parasites, and their geographical distribution. A notable contribution to the study of elasmobranch cestodes was made by a group of Polish scientists, headed by Wojciechowska (Rocka). Systematic position of 21 cestode species from 13 genera of 8 families of 6 orders was analyzed. Cestode fauna has been studied in less than 7 % of the total ichthyofauna of this area, while potential definitive and intermediate hosts remain unexplored. The largest number of cestode species (12) was recorded in four ray species of the family Rajidae. Eight cestode species, reaching sexual maturity, have been registered in intestines of teleosts: Bothriocephalus antarcticus, B. kerguelensis, Bothriocephalus sp., Parabothriocephalus johnstoni, P. macruri, Clestobothrium crassiceps, Neobothriocephalus sp., and Eubothrium sp. Larvae of five cestode species (Onchobothrium antarcticum, Grillotia (Grillotia) erinaceus, Lacistorhynchus tenuis, Calyptrobothrium sp., and Hepatoxylon trichiuri), ending their development in elasmobranchs, were found in teleosts. Systematic position of 5 cestode species out of 12, found in rays, is unidentified. Cestode fauna is characterized by a high level of endemism: 67 % of the total cestode fauna is not found to the north of Subantarctic. Coastal areas, mostly covered by research, are those in the Atlantic and Indian sectors of Antarctic. The biodiversity of elasmobranch cestodes, inhabiting Antarctic and Subantarctic, is underestimated, since only one third of species of these fish have been studied so far. Genetic studies of Antarctic cestodes have just begun to develop. Ribosomal sequences from D1–D3 segments of 28S rDNA are known only for 2 species: Onchobothrium antarcticum from the second intermediate (Notothenia rossii and Dissostichus mawsoni) and definitive hosts (Bathyraja eatonii), as well as larvae of Calyptrobothrium sp. from the second intermediate hosts (D. mawsoni and Muraenolepis marmorata). The main directions of further research on cestode fauna should be developed in combination with morphological, faunistic, genetic, and ecological studies.

The American species of trematode confused with Bucephalus (Bucephalopsis) haimeanus

Parasitology ◽  
1954 ◽  
Vol 44 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 353-370 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sewell H. Hopkins
Keyword(s):  
Crassostrea Virginica ◽  
Type Species ◽  
Life Cycles ◽  
Ostrea Edulis ◽  
Experimental Proof ◽  
Present Evidence ◽  
Adult Form ◽  
Alligator Gar ◽  
The Family ◽  
Species Characteristics

1. The bucephalid cercaria from Crassostrea virginica (Gmelin), the commercial oyster of the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of North America, has been called Bucephalus haimeanus Lacaze-Duthiers and Bucephalopsis haimeana (Lacaze-Duthiers). Neither of these names is correct. Bucephalus haimeanus Lacaze-Duthiers, 1854, is a parasite of the European oyster, Ostrea edulis L. (and possibly of cockles, Cardium spp.) in oceanic or near-oceanic habitats, while the American species is a parasite of an estuarine oyster and is found almost entirely in the least saline parts of its host's range. The correct name of the American oyster bucephalid is Bucephalus cuculus McCrady, 1874.2. The life cycles of all European marine bucephalids are still unknown. The life cycles described in the European literature are based entirely on morphological resemblances which are not close enough to be convincing, and none of them has been tested by experiment. Bucephalid cercariae do not show any of the features which are used to distinguish genera. So far as present evidence goes, Bucephalopsis haimeana is just as likely to develop into a Rhipidocotyle, a Bucephalus, or a Prosorhynchus as it is to develop into a member of the genus Bucephalopsis Nicoll, 1914, nec Diesing, 1855.3. Bucephalopsis Diesing, 1855, is the name proposed by Diesing for a subgenus created especially for the cercaria Bucephalus haimeanus Lacaze-Duthiers, 1854. Nicoll had no right to use this name for the genus of gasterostomes which, as adults, have a muscular sucker at the anterior end and do not have accessory structures such as a hood or papillae. Up to the present, there is still no evidence that this genus has any connexion with Lacaze-Duthiers's cercaria, other than common membership in the family Bucephalidae. Therefore the new name Bucephaloides Hopkins has been proposed to replace the generic name Bucephalopsis Nicoll, 1914, nec Diesing, 1855, with Bucephaloides gracilescens (Rudolphi, 1819) as the type species. This genus does not include Bucephalus haimeanus Lacaze-Duthiers because the metacercaria and the adult form of that species remain unknown.4. Tennent (1905, 1906, 1909) did not prove that there was any connexion between the oyster cercaria, Bucephalus cuculus McCrady, and the immature bucephalids in Menidia or the adult bucephalids in Strongylura. His drawings show that at least some of the bucephalids which Tennent studied had a hood and therefore belong in Rhipidocotyle. Re-examination of the bucephalids in Strongylura marina reveals that at least three species of bucephalids occur as adults in that host; these are described in this paper as Rhipidocotyle transversale Chandler, 1935, R. lintoni Hopkins, and Bucephaloides strongylurae Hopkins. Rhipidocotyle transversale and Bucephaloides strongylurae were also found in an immature (metacercaria) stage in Menidia, and were the only bucephalids found in Menidia during this study. The excretory systems of the three species in Strongylura all have features which exclude the possibility that they could develop from the oyster cercaria, Bucephalus cuculus.5. Tennent's (1906) drawing (fig. 46) of an adult bucephalid from Strongylura marina, which Eckmann (1932) mentions as the best representation of the species characteristics of Bucephalopsis haimeana (Lacaze-Duthiers), was probably made from a specimen of Rhipidocotyle lintoni.6. Tennent (1909) proved that eggs or larvae from an unknown adult bucephalid in Lepisosteus osseus could infect oysters, Crassostrea virginica, and develop into sporocysts which would grow in oysters for at least one month. This is the only experimental proof of a connexion between an adult bucephalid in a fish and a larval bucephalid in an oyster. Until the present, no bucephalid from a gar (Lepisosteus) had ever been described. In the present paper Rhipidocotyle lepis-ostei Hopkins is described from adults in Lepisosteus spatula, the alligator gar, in Louisiana. The metacercariae of Rhipidocotyle lepisostei are abundant in the fin rays of mullets, Mugil cephalus and M. curema. The excretory system of this species is not identical with that of Bucephalus cuculus, but is not so different as to exclude the possibility that the oyster cercaria might develop into R. lepisostei. If, in the future, R. lepisostei is proved to be the adult form of Bucephalus cuculus, the name of the species will become Rhipidocotyle cuculus (McCrady), and R. lepisostei will become a synonym.

The Life Cycles of Dipetalonematid Nematodes (Filarioidea, Dipetalonematidae): The Problem of Their Evolution

1957 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 203-224 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roy C. Anderson
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Skin Lesion ◽  
Intermediate Host ◽  
Definitive Host ◽  
Life Cycles ◽  
The Body ◽  
Intermediate Hosts ◽  
Cutaneous Lesions ◽  
The Family ◽  
Subcutaneous Tissues

The evolution of the life cycles of the members of the family Dipetalonematiidae Wehr, 1935 (Filarioidea) is considered in the light of existing knowledge of spirurid nematodes. The hypothesis that the life cycles of the dipetalonematids originated from life cycles similar to those of Draschia megastoma, Habronema muscae and H. microstoma is considered to be incorrect. Alternatively, it is pointed out that in the primitive subfamily Thelaziinae Baylis and Daubney, 1926 there are forms with typical spiruroid life cycles (Rhabdochona ovifilamenta), forms with life cycles approaching those of the dipetalonematids (Thelazia spp.), and forms with life cycles intermediate between these two (Oxyspirura spp.). It is suggested that intestinal species similar to Rhabdochona gave rise to the more specialized spiruroids and forms that left the gut (Oxyspirura, Thelazia) gave rise to the dipetalonematids.The dipetalonematids are believed to have originated from nematodes resembling the species of Thelazia and having life cycles like those of T. rhodesii, T. skrjabini and T. gulosa. Some of these worms established themselves in subcutaneous tissues. Like Parafilaria multipapillosa, they released their eggs through a break in the skin of the definitive host, thus causing a skin lesion that attracted various haematophagous arthropods which finally became involved as intermediate hosts in the life cycle. Certain species like the members of Parafilaria and Stephanofilaria (?) came to rely upon intermediate hosts that were unable to break the skin of the definitive host (Musca) and cutaneous lesions became permanent features of their life cycles. Other species became dependent upon intermediate hosts that could puncture the skin (mosquitoes, simuliids etc.) and skin lesions became unnecessary to the life cycle. The larvae of these worms then began to spread into the tissues of the skin, as found in Stephanofilaria, Onchocerca, and some species of Dipetalonema, and the infective larvae developed the ability to penetrate into the wound made by the intermediate host and perhaps, in some cases, the intact skin. Ultimately the larvae of some species habitually entered, or were deposited into, the blood stream and the adult worms were then free to colonize the vertebrate body as their larvae would then be available to the intermediate host no matter where the latter fed on the body of the definitive host; this group of worms gave rise to the many members of the family Dipetalonematidae.The family Filariidae Claus, 1883 is briefly reviewed in the light of the above hypothesis. It is pointed out that many species, e.g. Diplotriaeninae Skrjabin, 1916, live in the air sacs of reptiles and birds and probably have life cycles similar to that of Diplotriaenoides translucidus, i.e. the eggs pass through the lungs, up the trachea and out in the faeces. It is thought that these forms may represent a separate line of evolution from that which gave rise to the Dipetalonematidae. Certain genera (Lissonema, Aprocta), occurring in the orbits of birds, probably have life cycles like Thelazia or Oxyspirura. Many other genera occurring in superficial muscles and subcutaneous tissues (Squamofilaria, Ularofilaria, Tetracheilonema, Pelecitus, Monopetalonema) may release their eggs through some sort of skin lesion. Studies on these forms are urgently needed as the details of their life cycles may shed fresh light on the origins of the more specialized filarioids.

scholarly journals Leeches as the intermediate host for strigeid trematodes: genetic diversity and taxonomy of the genera Australapatemon Sudarikov, 1959 and Cotylurus Szidat, 1928

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ewa Pyrka ◽  
Gerard Kanarek ◽  
Grzegorz Zaleśny ◽  
Joanna Hildebrand
Keyword(s):  
Intermediate Host ◽  
Life Cycles ◽  
Coi Gene ◽  
Small Rivers ◽  
Ecological Niches ◽  
Its2 Region ◽  
28S Rrna ◽  
Intermediate Hosts ◽  
Internal Transcribed Spacer Region ◽  
Wide Range

Abstract Background Leeches (Hirudinida) play a significant role as intermediate hosts in the circulation of trematodes in the aquatic environment. However, species richness and the molecular diversity and phylogeny of larval stages of strigeid trematodes (tetracotyle) occurring in this group of aquatic invertebrates remain poorly understood. Here, we report our use of recently obtained sequences of several molecular markers to analyse some aspects of the ecology, taxonomy and phylogeny of the genera Australapatemon and Cotylurus, which utilise leeches as intermediate hosts. Methods From April 2017 to September 2018, 153 leeches were collected from several sampling stations in small rivers with slow-flowing waters and related drainage canals located in three regions of Poland. The distinctive forms of tetracotyle metacercariae collected from leeches supplemented with adult Strigeidae specimens sampled from a wide range of water birds were analysed using the 28S rDNA partial gene, the second internal transcribed spacer region (ITS2) region and the cytochrome c oxidase (COI) fragment. Results Among investigated leeches, metacercariae of the tetracotyle type were detected in the parenchyma and musculature of 62 specimens (prevalence 40.5%) with a mean intensity reaching 19.9 individuals. The taxonomic generic affiliation of metacercariae derived from the leeches revealed the occurrence of two strigeid genera: Australapatemon Sudarikov, 1959 and Cotylurus Szidat, 1928. Phylogenetic reconstructions based on the partial 28S rRNA gene, ITS2 region and partial COI gene confirmed the separation of the Australapatemon and Cotylurus clades. Taking currently available molecular data and our results into consideration, recently sequenced tetracotyle of Australapatemon represents most probably Au. minor; however, unclear phylogenetic relationships between Au. burti and Au. minor reduce the reliability of this conclusion. On the other hand, on the basis of the obtained sequences, supplemented with previously published data, the metacercariae of Cotylurus detected in leeches were identified as two species: C. strigeoides Dubois, 1958 and C. syrius Dubois, 1934. This is the first record of C. syrius from the intermediate host. Conclusions The results of this study suggest the separation of ecological niches and life cycles between C. cornutus (Rudolphi, 1808) and C. strigeoides/C. syrius, with potential serious evolutionary consequences for a wide range of host–parasite relationships. Moreover, phylogenetic analyses corroborated the polyphyletic character of C. syrius, the unclear status of C. cornutus and the separate position of Cotylurus raabei Bezubik, 1958 within Cotylurus. The data demonstrate the inconsistent taxonomic status of the sequenced tetracotyle of Australapatemon, resulting, in our opinion, from the limited availability of fully reliable, comparative sequences of related taxa in GenBank.

scholarly journals Motivasi Remaja untuk Mengikuti Program Rehabilitasi Napza

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adek Setiyani ◽  
Budi Anna Keliat
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Drug Abuse ◽  
Family Support ◽  
Social Relations ◽  
Family Relationships ◽  
Developmental Task ◽  
Self Identity ◽  
Stage Of Development ◽  
The Family ◽  
The Impact

AbstrakRemaja merupakan tahap perkembangan yang dilalui oleh setiap individu dan mempunyai tugas perkembangan dalam penentuan identitas diri. Dalam proses pembentukan identitas diri, remaja tidak hanya dipengaruhi oleh keluarga, tetapi juga oleh lingkungan sekolah dan teman sebaya. Kedekatan interpersonal remaja mulai bergeser kepada teman sebaya. Hal ini menyebabkan remaja rentan terhadap perilaku negatif, salah satunya perilaku penyalahgunaan Napza. Dampak dari perilaku penyalahgunaan Napza tidak hanya terhadap kesehatan remaja, tetapi juga terhadap hubungan dalam keluarga, hubungan sosial dan prestasi belajar. Untuk mengatasi dampak tersebut, remaja perlu rehabilitasi. Keberhasilan rehabilitasi dipengaruhi oleh motivasi remaja. Metode Penelitian menggunakan studi kualitatif dengan pendekatan fenomenologi yang bertujuan untuk mengetahui motivasi remaja penyalahguna Napza dalam mengikuti program rehabilitasi. Hasil Respons remaja terhadap penyalahgunaan Napza diantaranya secara kognitif, afektif, fisiologis dan sosial sehingga memberikan dampak terhadap pendidikan, kesehatan fisik dan mental, hubungan dengan keluarga bahkan masalah hukum. Sebagian besar remaja penyalahguna Napza mengikuti rehabilitasi karena terpaksa, baik dipaksa oleh keluarga maupun karena terlibat masalah hukum. Untuk mendapatkan penanganan, remaja penyalahguna Napza memerlukan dukungan keluarga untuk mengambil keputusan untuk rehabilitasi dan memberikan dukungan selama mengikuti rehabilitasi. Tenaga kesehatan dapat meningkatkan motivasi remaja dalam mengikuti rehabilitasi dan meningkatkan dukungan keluarga melalui terapi modalitas.Kata kunci: Remaja, Penyalahgunaan Napza, Motivasi, RehabilitasiADOLESCENTS’ MOTIVATION TO PARTICIPATE IN A SUBSTANCE USE REHABILITATION PROGRAMAbstractAdolescence is a stage of development that is traversed by each individual and has a developmental task in determining self-identity. In the process of forming self-identity, adolescents are not only influenced by the family, but also by the school environment and peers. Teenage interpersonal closeness begins to shift to peers. This causes adolescents to be vulnerable to negative behavior, one of which is the behavior of drug abuse. The impact of drug abuse behavior is not only on adolescent health, but also on relationships in the family, social relations and learning achievement. To overcome this impact, adolescents need rehabilitation. The success of rehabilitation is influenced by the motivation of adolescents. Method: The study used a qualitative study with a phenomenological approach which aimed to determine the motivation of adolescent substance use in participating in a rehabilitation program. Results: The response of adolescents to drug abuse includes cognitive, affective, physiological and social so that it has an impact on education, physical and mental health, family relationships and even legal issues. Most teenagers who use drugs are forced to undergo rehabilitation, both forced by family and because of legal problems. To get treatment, teenagers who use drugs need family support to make decisions for rehabilitation and to provide support during rehabilitation. Recommendation: Health workers can increase the motivation of adolescents to follow rehabilitation and increase family support through therapy modalities.Keywords: Adolescents, Drug Abuse, Motivation, Rehabilitation

scholarly journals DNA screening of Drosophila suzukii predators in berry field orchards shows new predatory taxonomical groups

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. e0249673
Author(s):  
Sara Sario ◽  
Conceição Santos ◽  
Fátima Gonçalves ◽  
Laura Torres
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Life Cycles ◽  
Gut Content ◽  
Drosophila Suzukii ◽  
Potential Predator ◽  
The Family ◽  
First Time ◽  
South Europe ◽  
New Habitats

Drosophila suzukii (spotted wing drosophila, SWD) is a pandemic quarantine pest that attacks mostly red fruits. The high number of life cycles per year, its ability to rapidly invade and spread across new habitats, and highly polyphagous nature, makes this a particularly aggressive invasive species, for which efficient control methods are currently lacking. The use of native natural predators is particularly promising to anchor sustainable and efficient measures to control SWD. While several field studies have suggested the presence of potential predatory species in infested orchards, only a few confirmed the presence of SWD DNA in predators’ gut content. Here, we use a DNA-based approach to identify SWD predators among the arthropod diversity in South Europe, by examining the gut content of potential predator specimens collected in SWD-infested berry fields in North Portugal. These specimens were morphologically identified to the family/order, and their gut content was screened for the presence of SWD DNA using PCR. New SWD predatory taxonomical groups were identified, as Opiliones and Hemerobiidae, in addition to known SWD predators, such as Hemerobiidae, Chrysopidae, Miridae, Carabidae, Formicidae and Araneae. Additionally, the presence of a spider family, Uloboridae, in the orchards was recorded for the first time, posing this family as another SWD-candidate predator. This study sets important bases to further investigate the potential large-scale use of some of these confirmed predator taxa for SWD control in South Europe.

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