Occurrence and identification of mermithid nematode parasites associated with grasshoppers (Orthoptera: Acrididae) in Mongolian rangelands

Tugsbileg Gandorj, Rentsendorj Gandulam, Damdinsuren Boldbaatar, Dashbaljir Ichinkhorloo, Khodroi Batnaran

Abstract


Grasshoppers are important herbivorous insects in Mongolian grasslands and may serve as hosts for parasitic nematodes, including members of the family Mermithidae. This study investigated nematode parasitism in the light-winged grasshopper (Calliptamus abbreviatus Ikonnikov, 1913) and Barabens’ grasshopper (Angaracris barabensis Pallas, 1773) and characterized the associated nematodes using molecular analysis. A total of 1,012 grasshopper specimens were collected, comprising 503 C. abbreviatus and 509 A. barabensis. Of 200 individuals of each species examined by dissection, six individuals of each species were infected with nematodes, corresponding to a prevalence of 3% in both hosts. Molecular identification was performed by PCR amplification and sequencing of the ribosomal DNA region, yielding an approximately 950-bp fragment. BLAST analysis of the 919-bp sequences showed a 99.3% nucleotide identity with Mermis nigrescens (KF886020). The sequences obtained from Mongolian specimens were deposited in the DDBJ database under accession numbers OM293674 and OM293675. These findings provide molecular evidence for the occurrence of M. nigrescens in Mongolia and document its parasitism in C. abbreviatus and A. barabensis. The results expand the known host associations and geographical distribution of M. nigrescens and provide baseline information for further studies on mermithid–grasshopper interactions and their potential significance in the natural regulation of grasshopper populations.

Keywords


Mermis nigrescens, Mermithidae, Grasshopper–nematode association, Molecular identification, Mongolian rangelands

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References


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DOI: https://doi.org/10.33804/pp.010.04.6223

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