Further studies on the chipmunk warble, Cuterebra emasculator (Diptera: Cuterebridae)
Keyword(s):
The prevalence of Cuterebra emasculator Fitch in 1328 chipmunks (Tamias striatus) was analyzed as to the sex and age class of the host and to the forest habitats from which the chipmunks were obtained. The prevalence of the parasite was highest in immature animals of both sexes and lowest in adult females. Prevalence of C. emasculator was highest in chipmunks from second-growth mixed forests; such animals also carried more parasites per animal. Chipmunks from mature coniferous forests harbored the fewest parasites per individual and the prevalence was the lowest. The parasite density was extremely low, averaging one fly per 2.8 acres in mature coniferous forest and one fly per 0.7 acres in the second-growth forest habitat.