Nematodes of the Cockroach

 

Karen Ott

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 1995, Volume 16

Abstract

This abstract describes a biology lab exercise for general biology students. Leidynema appendiculata and Hammerschmidtiella diesingi are common parasites of the American cockroach, Periplaneta americana. They are easily teased from the hindgut, are large enough (2 mm), to see with the unaided eye, and are excellent specimens for examining internal anatomy. Demonstrating their presence to students adds an interesting dimension to the study of cockroaches in a zoology laboratory, provides a context in which to discuss symbiosis, and introduces the subject of human parasitism since these nematodes are oxyuroid relatives of the human pinworm, Enterobius vermicularis.

Keywords:  cockroach, parasites, nematode

Emory University (1994)