Effect of extreme temperature on egg development, larval and adult survival of Chordodes nobilii Camerano, 1901 (Gordiida, Nematomorpha)

Abstract

On the basis of experimental studies we analyzed the effect of extreme temperatures on the aquatic free-living phases of the life cycle of <i>Chordodes nobilii</i> (Gordiida, Nematomorpha). Bioassays were performed with eggs, larvae, and adults. Eggs and larvae were exposed to 3°C below zero and 40.5°C; adults were exposed to 3°C below zero and to 38.5°C and 40.5°C. The results showed that egg development was inhibited in both tests. Exposed larvae showed a decrease in their infective capacity, which resulted almost null at 40.5°C. Adults exposed to 38.5°C showed mortality ≤10%, at 40.5°C the mortality was 100% and the adult's mortality at 3°C below zero was 89%. Results indicate that free living stages of <i>Chordodes nobilii</i> are susceptible to extreme temperatures.