<p> The distribution of Eisenia rosea, the main host
of P. rudis, is influenced mainly by soil moisture and
bulk density. Cluster-fly larvae locate hosts by random
locomotion through the soil pores, whereupon penetration
is induced by a substance present in the worm slime.
Penetration occurs mainly on the upper surface of the worm,
with fewer penetrations occurring towards either end of
the worm. Several species of earthworm, including some
which do not normally act as hosts, were infected in
the laboratory. </p> <p> The encystment, surface casting, burrowing and
autotomising behaviour of E. rosea varies with soil
moisture and bulk density. The penetration rate of P. rudis
larvae into E. rosea is affected by this behaviour, as
well as by the soil pore morphology. The success of
maintenance of infected worms is also affected by the
worm behaviour, which in turn depends on the soil conditions. </p> / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:mcmaster.ca/oai:macsphere.mcmaster.ca:11375/20871 |
| Date | 05 1900 |
| Creators | Thomson, Alan |
| Contributors | Davies, D. M., Biology |
| Source Sets | McMaster University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
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