SOUTHWESTERN ASSOCIATION OF PARASITOLOGISTS

50th Annual Meeting Program & Abstracts

April 20-22, 2017

The University of Oklahoma Biological Station Lake Texoma, Oklahoma

Affiliate, American Society of Parasitologists

SOUTHWESTERN ASSOCIATION OF

PARASITOLOGISTS

Officers President Nicholas Negovetich Department of Biology Angelo State University San Angelo, TX 76909 President-Elect (Program Officer) Michael Barger Natural Science Peru State College Peru, NE 68421 Immediate Past President Megan Wise de Valdez Program of Biology Texas A&M-San Antonio San Antonio, TX 78224 Secretary-Treasurer Tamara J. Cook Department of Biological Sciences Sam Houston State University Huntsville, TX 77341 Representative to ASP Council Matt Bolek Department of Integrative Biology Oklahoma State University Stillwater, OK 74078

AGENDA Thursday, April 20th, 2017 5:00–9:00 pm Registration Foyer of Dining Hall 6:30 pm Dinner Dining Hall 7:15 pm Presenters’ Meeting Library 8:30 pm Social Hour(s) Dining Hall Friday, April 21st, 2017 7:00-8:00 am Breakfast & Registration Dining Hall 8:05 am Opening Remarks Library 8:15-9:45 am Oral Presentations (#1–6) Library 9:45-10:00 am Break 10:00-11:30 am Oral Presentations (#7–12) Library 11:30-11:45 am Special Presentation Library 11:45-1:00 pm Lunch Dining Hall 1:15-2:15 pm Oral Presentations (#13–16) Library 2:15-2:30 pm Break 2:30-3:30 pm Oral Presentations (#17–20) Library 3:30-4:00 pm Break 4:00-5:30 pm Panel Discussion, SWAP 50th & Refreshments Library 5:30-6:30 pm Dinner Dining Hall 6:30-8:00 pm SWAP Business Meeting Library 8:00-9:00 pm President’s Reception

& Poster Session (#21-33) Dining Hall

9:00-10:00 pm Social Hour(s) Dining Hall Saturday, April 22nd, 2017 7:30–8:30 am Breakfast Dining Hall 8:45-10:00 am Oral Presentations (#34-38) Library 10:00 am Closing Remarks & Adjournment Library ABSTRACTS WITH A “U” ARE UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT PAPERS IN THE COMPETITION; THOSE WITH A “G” ARE GRADUATE STUDENT PAPERS IN THE COMPETITION. UNLESS NOTED, SPEAKER IS FIRST AUTHOR LISTED.

Donald V. Moore, President of SWAP, 1974. Courtesy of Harold W. Manter Laboratory of Parasitology.

Friday, April 21, 2017 Oral Presentations

LIBRARY 8:05 am Opening Remarks President NICHOLAS NEGOVETICH Oral Presentations #1–6 Chairpersons KAYLEE HERZOG, University of Kansas RYAN SHANNON, Oklahoma State University 8:15am (G) 1. Land Ho! Field and Experimental Observations on A New Gordius sp. (Nematomorpha: Gordiida) With the First Documented Terrestrial Life Cycle for the Phylum. C, Anaya1, B. Hanelt2 and M. G. Bolek1. 1Department of Integrative Biology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK. 2Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM. All gordiids have complex life cycles and are considered aquatic in their free-living phase. However, recently we discovered a new Gordius sp. in Oklahoma which occurs in terrestrial habitats. To investigate the transmission of this Gordius sp., during 2014-2017 a total of 1,455 adult free-living worms were collected from lawns, open fields, and road gutters from 20 sites in Payne Co., OK. Surveys of earthworms and land snails from locations where adult free-living worms were observed indicated they were commonly infected with Gordius-type cysts suggesting gordiid larvae are present in the soil. To test our field observations, we performed comparative laboratory assays on egg laying behavior of the new Gordius sp. collected from terrestrial environments and the aquatic gordiid, Paragordius varius. As expected, both gordiid species deposited egg strings when female worms were placed in water. However, when worms of both species were placed on soil, all individuals of the aquatic P. varius dried and died; whereas 80% of the Gordius sp. individuals collected from terrestrial habitats burrowed within minutes into the soil. More importantly, some female Gordius sp. began depositing egg strings within days of burrowing into the soil. Examination of the eggs of this species indicates they are unlike the eggs of any other hairworm species and contain double membranes suggesting these eggs may be resistant to desiccation. Taken together, our observations and experiments strongly suggest that this species represents the first documented hairworm species with a terrestrial life cycle. 

8:30am (G) 2. Survey Detecting the Variability of Small Subunit RNA Gene of Kneallhazia solenopsae (Microsporidia: Thelohanidae) in the Red Imported Fire Ant, Solenopsis invicta, in South Texas. L. M. Bassett, J. A. Brady, K. K. Herrmann, and F. L. Mitchell, Department of Biological Sciences, Tarleton State University, and Texas A&M Agrilife, Stephenville, Texas. The Red Imported Fire Ant, Solenopsis invicta, is an invasive species in the southeastern United States, causing negative impacts on the agriculture industry, environment, and economy. A common pathogen is the microsporidium, Kneallhazia solenopsae. There are several different K. solenopsae SSU gene variants (SSUGV): North America (NA), Widely Distributed (WD), Mexico (MEX), and USA. The SSUGV are not randomly distributed and appear to be dispersed by geographical location. It is unclear what would cause SSUGV localization, whether that be ant genetics or environmental factors. The objectives in this study were to determine the prevalence and geographic distribution of different K. solenopsae SSUGV in south Texas. Fifty-eight colonies were sampled from 32 counties in south Texas. After DNA extraction and examination by PCR, the samples were prepared for Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). The NGS data were analyzed with DNAStar Lasergene. Five counties had NA (5 samples) as the major SSUGV, 12 counties (24 samples) were determined to have WD, and another 12 (15 samples) did not have a significant number of K. solenopsae SSU gene variants (Negative). The final three counties were as follows: one county had WD (2 samples) and Negative (2 samples), and 2 counties had NA (8 samples) and Negative (2 samples). The prevalence for the total number of NA sequences was 34.1%, WD was 42.4%, MEX was 11.6%, USA was 0.3% and 11.7% were negative. The NA SSUGV appears to be more geographically localized than the other variants. It may be possible to use bait containing NA K. solenopsae spores from south Texas to infect colonies in other parts of Texas. If those ant colonies become infected and it is determined that the NA SSUGV is present, then the bait will be determined as successful. 8:45am (G) 3. Range Expansion of an Exotic Asian Snail (Melanoides tuberculata) Into Central Texas Rivers, and the Parasitological Consequences Thereof. S. F. Harding, D. Rodriguez, D. G. Huffman, and J. Jackson; Aquatic Station, Department of Biology, Texas State University, and Bio-West, Inc. The invasive snail Melanoides tuberculata (Thiaridae) has been established in Texas since the 1960s. Prior to 2009, all known distributions of M. tuberculata in Central Texas were restricted to thermally stable spring runs. Previous studies have experimentally established the lethal thermal minimum and maximum for this species and suggest survival outside stenothermal conditions would be unlikely. In 2012, snails were detected outside of these known thermal ranges in waters with sustained temperatures much colder than the experimentally determined lethal thermal minimum. The objective of this study was to assess phenotypic and genetic differences between snail populations found in thermally stable and unstable habitats. Multivariate analyses were used to qualitatively and quantitatively partition variation in conch morphology within and among several Texas populations. A subset of snails was subjected to molecular analyses using primers targeting the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene. Phylogenetic analyses of molecular data revealed that the snails from thermally ambient

habitats are genetically divergent from snails found in thermally stable habitats. Genetic diversity of local snail populations was compared against global M. tuberculata 16s rRNA sequence data available from GenBank. This study detected evidence for multiple M. tuberculata introduction events in Texas, and it also suggests stenothermal restrictions are not applicable to all haplotypes recognized as Melanoides tuberculata. 9:00am (U) 4. Parasite assemblages of freshwater fishes from two backwater habitats along the Neches River of Southeast, Texas, USA. M. J. Shepherd and H. R. Yoder. Department of Biology, Lamar University, Beaumont, TX. A total of 32 fish representing 7 species from family Centrarchidae (Lepomis macrochirus, L. megalotis, L. microlophus, L. gulosus, Pomoxis annularus, Micropterus salmoides, M.punctulatus) 1 species from family Lepisosteidae (Lepisosteus oculatus) and 2 species from family Catostomidae (Minytrema melanops, Carpiodes carpio) were collected from two locations on the Neches River on three sampling dates (July, 25 2016, August, 2 2016, and August, 10 2016). Hosts were caught, placed on ice and transported back to the lab, necropsied, and examined for endo and ectoparasites. Thirty fish were (94%) were infected with one or more parasite. A total of 935 parasite individuals were found representing 4 phyla. These included Arthropoda (Copepoda), Platyhelminthes (Trematoda, and Monogenea) Nematoda, and Mollusca (Glochidia). At the time of this abstract, the project is ongoing and parasites are being identified to species or lowest possible taxonomic unit. Centrarchid hosts, collectively made up the largest numbers of fish hosts sampled and revealed the most speciose parasite communities. Centrarchid parasite infracommunities were dominated by the metacercariae of the trematode, Posthodiplostomum minimum. Both the Gar (Lepisosteidae) and Suckers (Catostomidae) were collected in smaller numbers and revealed depauperate parasite communities. 9:15am (U) 5. Gregarine Oocyst Production is a Function of Gametocyst Size. Kiana Borengasser and R. E. Clopton, Department of Natural Science, Peru State College, Peru, NE. Reproductive allocation refers to the proportion of an organism's energy budget allocated to reproduction rather than growth, survival, and maintenance. Of particular importance to parasite transmission, reproductive allocation also refers to the energy division and tradeoff between offspring size and number. We tested the relationship between gregarine size and gregarine reproductive energy by evaluating the number of oocysts produced per gametocyst across three gregarine species: Blabericola migrator, Protomagalhaensia cerastes, and Blabericola cubensis parasitizing the Madagascan Cockroach, Princisia vanwaerebecki, the Pallid Cockroach, Phoetalia pallida, and the Discoid Cockroach, Blaberus discoidalis, respectively. For each gregarine species, at least 30 gametocysts were measured, held individually for oocyst production, and the number of oocysts for each gametocyst quantified using a hemocytometer. Data were analyzed within and across species to test the correlation between gametocyst size and oocyst production. Both within species and across all gregarine species tested, oocyst production increased with gametocyst size, thus increasing reproductive energy allocated to an increased number of offspring rather than to

increasing the individual energy allocation of a fixed number of offspring. To illuminate the limiting factor in the system, time-series gametocyst smears were prepared and examined for zygotes, gametes, and excess energy stored as amylopectin granules. Zygote creation and oocyst formation occurred within 5 hours of gametocyst formation leaving a substantial number of amylopectin granules but no residual gametes. Thus gregarine oocyst production appears to be limited by gametogony rather than available energy reserves. 9:30am (U) 6. Race against time: Documenting hairworm (Nematomorpha: Gordiida) species diversity of the Madrean Sky Islands. R. J. Swanteson-Franz*1, A. Schmidt-Rhaesa 2, M.G. Bolek3, and B. Hanelt1. Center for Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM1, Zoological Museum and Institute, Biocenter Grindel, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 3, University of Hamburg, 20146 Hamburg, Germany2, Department of Zoology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma 7407.3 Within parasitology, there is a lack of diversity surveys. Horsehair worms (Phylum Nematomorpha), which parasitize arthropods, are paradigms of this. 2500 species are hypothesized to exist, but only 350 species have been described. There has also been inadvertent sampling bias, creating substantial hairworm data in some regions while others remain virtually unstudied. Here, we focus on the diversity within the Madrean Sky Islands, a complex of high altitude pine-oak woodlands separated by lower elevation Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts, where until recently, hairworm diversity surveys have not occurred. Sky Islands have ecological separation between mountains caused by abiotic variation that mimics that of oceanic islands. This causes Sky Islands to become cradles of evolution and biodiversity hotspots due to a plethora of exceptional ecosystems and microhabitats. The Madrean Sky Islands are host to almost 7,000 plant and animal species, making it likely that similar diversity should exist for Nematomorphs. Using data from 4 years of specimen collections, we will describe the species found in the Madrean Sky Islands, specifically the Chiricahua Mountains of southern Arizona, using primarily molecular data. Previously described Chordodes morgani and Neochordodes occidentalis, and 4 new species (3 Gordius n. spp. and 1 Paragordius n. sp.) have been identified. As far as we know, 2 species represent endemics. Since collections began, all sites have been consumed by wildfire—the impact of these fires on the life cycle and survival of these parasite species will be discussed, addressing the need for a paradigm shift in conservation to include parasites. 9:45-10:00am BREAK

David A. Becker, namesake of the SWAP Best Student Presentation Award & Secretary-Treasurer of SWAP, 1977-1980. Courtesy of Harold W. Manter Laboratory of Parasitology.

Oral Presentations #7-12 Chairpersons WHITNEY PREISSER, Texas A&M University STEPHEN HARDING, Texas State University 10:00am (U) 7. Patterns of Infection of American Marten (Martes americana) by the Nematode Parasite Soboliphyme baturini in Interior Alaska. Steven Guerin1, Elisa Gagliano1, Emma Fries1, Mariel L. Campbell1, Kerry L. Nicholson2, and Joseph A. Cook1. Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico1, Albuquerque, NM and Alaska Department of Fish and Game2. American Marten (Martes americana) are common hosts of the stomach-dwelling nematode parasite Soboliphyme baturini. As part of a larger study of spatial and temporal patterns of infection in M. americana, stomach contents of 300 marten from 6 regions in Alaska caught by trappers during the winter of 2015-2016 were examined for the parasite S. baturini. The contents and condition of the stomachs, along with the quantity and sex of any parasites were recorded. This data was then combined with sex, age, weight, and geographic information. The resulting data showed a Marten parasite infection rate of 38%, with significantly different infection rates between different regions. There were no significant differences in infection prevalence between males and females, juveniles and adults, and no correlation between marten weight and infection intensity. 10:15am (U) 8. Molecular Survey of Anaplasma in White-tailed Deer, Odocoileus virginianus, and Cattle, Bos taurus, in Southeast Nebraska. Traver Pettijohn, R. E. Clopton, and D. T. Clopton, Department of Natural Science, Peru State College, Peru, NE. As of 2016, the United States' cattle herd totaled 92 million head with ca. 14% of all cattle residing in Nebraska or Kansas. These livestock have been protected from tick borne disease primarily through the use of medicated feeds and salt blocks, but new FDA restrictions designed to protect antibiotic efficacy could increase cattle exposure to endemic tick borne disease, especially when significant host reservoir population overlap is present. The rickettsial genus Anaplasma includes two multi-variant species that cause significant disease in livestock. Anaplasma phagocytophilum is vectored by the Deer Tick, Ixodes scapularis, and causes granulocytic anaplasmosis in a variety of wild and domestic animal species, as well zoonotic granulocytic anaplasmosis in humans. Anaplasma marginale is vectored by ticks in the genus Dermacentor, primarily the Brown Dog Tick, Dermacentor variabilis, and causes erythrocytic anaplasmosis in cattle often leading to significant loss and mortality. Several studies have demonstrated the competency of White-tailed Deer as a reservoir host for Anaplasma. To evaluate the risk for increased Anaplasmosis in cattle as a result of new restrictions on medicated feeds, we conducted a base-line survey for Anaplasma in hunter-killed White-tailed Deer and veterinarian sampled cattle in southeastern Nebraska. Diagnostic 16s rRNA amplicons were isolated by PCR from blood samples of deer and cattle. Prevalence of anaplasmosis

in White-tailed Deer and cattle was 26.5% (30/113) and 27.3% (12/44), respectively. Preliminary sequence analysis suggests that different Anaplasma species or variants infect White-tailed Deer and cattle in the survey region. 10:30am (U) 9. Taxonomic Character Analysis of Caryophyllaeid Cestode Genera. T. Herzog and M. A. Barger, Department of Natural Science, Peru State College, Peru, Nebraska. The Caryophyllaeidae (Cestoda: Caryophyllidea) include monozoic tapeworms from freshwater fish grouped into 23 genera. The reliability of the generic classification has come into question on occasion because of its reliance on unique combinations of non-unique characters. Thus, each new taxon challenges the existing classification, and compromises are often made in order to accommodate species in genera. Two new forms of caryophyllaeid tapeworms from southeastern Texas have called into question the reliability of scolex morphology and post-ovarian vitellaria as taxonomic characters. The new forms can be placed either in the genus Biacetabulum or Dieffluvium depending on which character is emphasized. If they are placed within Biacetabulum, then not all species in the genus would contain post-ovarian vitellaria. If they are placed within Dieffluvium, then the unique scolex morphology of Dieffluvium unipapillatum might be of no taxonomic importance. Examination of available specimens from museums demonstrates that scolex morphology is fairly consistent among species of Biacetabulum. However, examination of the holotype suggests that the unique anatomy of the scolex of D. unipapillatum could be artifactual, and the manner in which the uterus loops anterior of the cirrus sac could be the defining character of the genus Dieffluvium. In addition, specimens of both Dieffluvium and Biacetabulum have a post-ovarian vitelline loop that occurs in the same position, regardless of whether post-ovarian vitellaria are present, and this character might be more reliable than the presence of post-ovarian vitellaria themselves in distinguishing among species. 10:45am (G) 10. Variation in helminth parasite component communities of Gambusia affinis and the effects on host fitness. N. Carpenter and K. Herrmann, Department of Biological Sciences, Tarleton State University, Stephenville, Texas. In North Central Texas streams, seasonal changes in ambient temperature and rainfall result in dynamic variation in microhabitat structure. Since the complex life cycles of parasites require the presence of multiple hosts, the seasonal variations in microhabitats could influence parasite component communities within these ecosystems. The presence of parasites, particularly intestinal helminths, reduces host foraging ability, body condition, and potentially resources available for developing offspring thereby reducing host fitness. Western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) are facultative matrotrophs, exhibiting adjustments in post-fertilization provisioning to some offspring within a brood using recently acquired resources. Since larger offspring are more likely to survive, maternal contributions are expected to increase fitness. The objectives of this study were to 1) investigate spatial and temporal variation in parasite component communities and 2) examine the effect of helminth component communities on host fitness. Mosquitofish were collected from three

sites on the Paluxy River, monthly from June 2015 through August 2016. All helminth parasites were collected during necropsy and subsequently identified. For the second objective, ten embryos of each developmental stage from each fish (n=98) collected from April through August 2016 were randomly selected and individually weighed. From 495 mosquitofish, 5,269 helminths were collected with an overall helminth prevalence of 90.0%. We found Shannon diversity was significantly varied by collection site and with river discharge. Additionally, we found embryo weight to be significantly affected by maternal weight, brood size, embryo stage, as well as intestinal cestodes and nematodes and parasitic diversity. These results demonstrate that helminth component communities infecting mosquitofish in the Paluxy River vary through space and in response to environmental variation. The results further suggest intestinal helminths affect nutrients available for maternal provisioning to developing embryos. 11:00am (G) 11. Insight into the Familial Placement of Two of the Most Devilish Tapeworm Genera. Kaylee Herzog and Kirsten Jensen. Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and the Biodiversity Institute, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS. In 2016, Jensen and colleagues revised the familial classification for the order Lecanicephalidea based on a robust phylogenetic hypothesis of interrelationships among genera derived from molecular sequence data. Representatives of all but three valid lecanicephalidean genera were included in this analysis; specifically, material appropriately fixed for the generation of molecular sequence data was not available for genera described from the particularly charismatic filter-feeding elasmobranch hosts, the spinetail devil ray (parasitized by members of Healyum and Quadcuspibothrium) and the megamouth shark (parasitized by members of Corragatocephalum). Thus, all three genera were considered by the authors to be incertae sedis with regard to familial placement. In January 2017, two specimens of the spinetail devil ray, Mobula mobular, were collected from Taitung, Taiwan, and examined for tapeworms. Among the tapeworms recovered were representatives of Healyum and Quadcuspibothrium. This represents the second report of these genera since they were first collected from the Gulf of California in the western Pacific Ocean in 1996, and expands the ranges for both genera to include the eastern Pacific Ocean. Sequence data were generated for the D1–D3 gene region of 28S rDNA for specimens of Quadcuspibothrium, and were added to the molecular dataset of Jensen et al. (2016). Preliminary phylogenetic analysis suggests that Quadcuspibothrium, likely along with Healyum, represents a lineage outside of the eight currently recognized lecanicephalidean families. These results corroborate the unique morphology shared by Healyum and Quadcuspibothrium (i.e., small overall size and a trilobed ovary), and are interesting in light of the unusual feeding strategies of their host.

11:15am (G) 12. Dried bloodspots from paired human and engorged mosquitoes demonstrate the feasibility of Xenosurveillance in West Africa. Joseph R. Fauver1, James Weger-Lucarelli1, Nathan D. Grubaugh1, Benjamin J. Krajacich1, Lawrence S. Fakoli III2, Fatorma K. Bolay2, Joe W. Diclaro II3, Brian D. Foy1, Doug D. Brackney1, Mark D. Stenglein1, Gregory D. Ebel1, 1Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado. 2Liberian Institute for Biomedical Research, Charlesville, Liberia. 3United States Naval Medical Research Unit No. 3, Cairo, Egypt. Xenosurveillance is a novel technique that utilizes mosquito bloodmeals to noninvasively survey human populations for infectious diseases. The technique takes advantage of the host-seeking and blood-feeding behavior of Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes. Multiple villages in northern Liberia and western Burkina Faso were enrolled in to our study. Human dried bloodspots were collected on filter paper cards during the initial enrollment period. The villages were subsequently sampled for indoor resting engorged mosquitoes on a rotating schedule for the following two weeks. Bloodfed mosquitoes collected from inside homes had their midgut contents expelled onto filter paper cards for future testing. RNA and DNA from both human and mosquito samples were eluted, extracted, pooled, and subjected to Next Generation Sequencing to search for genetic signatures of human pathogens. Bioinformatic analysis revealed the presence of GB virus C, as well as other human pathogens, in both human and mosquito samples collected in the same home. These matched results indicate that our technique can reliably detect genetic signatures of human pathogens in mosquito bloodmeals. This study demonstrates the feasibility of Xenosurveillance in a field setting. 11:30am SPECIAL PRESENTATION DONALD DUSZYNSKI 11:45-1:00pm LUNCH

On behalf of the membership of the SWAP, we express our gratitude to Dr. Autumn Smith-Herron

Sam Houston State University for donating the long-sleeve t-shirts, pens, sticky-note books, and portfolios

to the 50th Anniversary Meeting.

Robert Kuntz & J. Teague Self, Presidents of SWAP in 1975 and 1970, respectively, on the UOBS grounds. Courtesy of John Janovy, Jr.

Oral Presentations #13-16 Chairpersons CHRISTINA ANAYA, Oklahoma State University TRAVER PETTIJOHN, Peru State College 1:15pm (G) 13. The Hidden Diversity of Hemoflagellate and Apicomplexan Blood Parasites of Amphibian and Reptile Hosts from the Great Plains Region of the United States. R. P. Shannon and M. G. Bolek. Department of Integrative Biology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK. Compared to blood parasites of mammalian and avian hosts, little information is available on host specificity, prevalence and distribution of blood parasites of amphibians and non-avian reptiles. The few available surveys suggest that amphibians and reptiles are commonly infected with a diverse group of blood hemoflagellates and apicomplexans. However, currently no information is available on these parasites in amphibian and reptile hosts from the Great Plains region of the United States. To investigate this, 7 locations in north central and southeastern Oklahoma were surveyed for amphibians and non-avian reptiles for blood protozoans. A total of 295 amphibians and reptiles from 9 families and 22 species were examined and found to be infected with 15 species/morphotypes of blood parasites. Eleven species/morphotypes of Trypanosoma infected amphibian hosts, 1 species of Haemogregarina infected reptilian hosts, and 3 species/morphotypes of Hepatozoon infected amphibian and reptile hosts. However, because blood parasites are difficult to identify based on morphology alone, we are in the process of sequencing the 18s rRNA and gGAPDH genes of the 11 Trypanosoma morphotypes and the ITS and CO3 genes of the three Hepatozoon and Haemogregarina morphotypes. Thus far, we have sequenced the 18s rRNA gene of 5 Trypanosoma morphotypes and found them to be genetically distinct. Additionally, we have sequenced the ITS and CO3 genes of Hepatozoon morphotypes from 8 anuran individuals. Phylogenetic analyses of these Hepatozoon sequences indicate that at least two species of Hepatozoon infect anuran hosts in Oklahoma. Our work characterizing the diversity of blood parasites infecting amphibians and reptiles in the Great Plains will elucidate their species relationships and create the foundation allowing for future studies on their host specificity and life cycles. 1:30pm (G) 14. Mysterious Snail Hosts! The Distribution and Host Use of Acanthocephalans in Two Species of Freshwater Snails. R. W. Koch, R. P. Shannon, K. D. Gustafson, and M. G. Bolek, Department of Integrative Biology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK. In many acanthocephalan life cycles, a vertebrate paratenic host is used to bridge the ecological gap between the intermediate and definitive hosts. However, there have been few reports of freshwater snails serving as paratenic hosts for acanthocephalans. To assess how commonly freshwater snails serve as hosts for acanthocephalans, 2 species of freshwater snails, Helisoma trivolvis and Physa

acuta, were collected from various wetlands throughout Payne Co., OK. Additionally, snails were sampled on a monthly basis for a year from a single location to further investigate seasonal variation of infection. Snails were dissected for juvenile acanthocephalans by examining the entire body and then flattening snail tissue between 2 slides. Acanthocephalans were identified to Neoechinorhynchus spp., which most likely infect turtle definitive hosts and ostracod intermediate hosts in nature. Among all sites sampled, 7 of 27 (26%) contained infected snails, with H. trivolvis being more commonly infected than P. acuta. Depending on the site, prevalence and mean intensity ranged from 4–79% and 1–3.6, respectively. Throughout the year, prevalence peaked at 74% during the summer and decreased to 0% during the winter. Among all acanthocephalans recovered from snails, 88% were found encysted in the head foot of snails; whereas 12% were attached with their proboscis to the mantle collar underneath the shell. Lastly, acanthocephalans were twice as large in snails as reported from ostracods. These results suggest that 1) freshwater snails may be important hosts for the transmission of Neoechinorhynchus spp.; 2) location and season have a strong effect on the variation on acanthocephalan infections in snails; 3) acanthocephalans are using different microhabitats within snail hosts; and 4) acanthocephalans appear to be growing and developing within snail hosts, which has important implications on establishment in the definitive host. 1:45pm (U) 15. Prevalence of intestinal parasites among dog populations from Southeast Nebraska. Erin M. Bates, Macheala Cowman & Gul Ahmad. Department of Natural sciences, School of Arts & Sciences, Peru State College, Peru, NE. The dog, Canis familiaris, and their human owners share a close familial relationship, and also share parasites. As a result, both direct zoonotic infections and reverse zoonotic (anthroponosis) infections could result. The present survey was carried out to determine the rate of helminth infections using stool samples from sheltered dogs from Southeastern Nebraska kennels. Additionally, we investigated the presence of intestinal protozoa among dogs. Fresh fecal samples were collected individually from all animals and brought to the laboratory. Fecal specimens were emulsified in 10% formalin. After filtration and centrifugation, it was re-suspended in diluted ethyl acetate. Following vigorous shaking and centrifugation the pellet was re-suspended in saline. Identification of parasite eggs or cysts was performed under light microscopy. A total of 56% of the fecal samples was infected with one or more parasites. The most prevalent parasite (44.4%) in dogs' fecal samples was Toxicara canis followed by Dipylidium caninum (21.6%). Among the protozoan parasites, Endolimax nana were seen in 8% of the fecal samples tested, followed by Giardia intestinalis, which were present in 2.25% of the population of dogs. A small number of dogs were also infected with Trichuris vulpis. The detailed results of the current study will be discussed at the meeting.

2:00pm (U) 16. Effect of Environmental Humidity on Gregarine Gametocyst Development. Chelsea A. Reznicek, R. E. Clopton, and D. T. Clopton, Department of Natural Science, Peru State College, Peru, NE. Environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity play a decisive role in the development of gregarine gametocysts and the production and viability of infective oocysts. Our laboratory has demonstrated the significant role of temperature in oocyst production by Blabericola migrator and Blabericola cubensis infecting the Tiger Striped Hissing Cockroach, Princisia vanwaerebecki, and the Discoid Cockroach, Blaberus discoidalis, respectively. Within thermal limits, oocyst production and gametocyst dehiscence respond directly to increasing temperature but sporozoite viability responds inversely to increasing temperature. In these systems, 22 C is an optimal temperature for gametocysts and oocyst development. In this study, we examine the effects of humidity on gregarine gametocyst and oocyst development. Gametocysts of B. migrator and B. cubensis were incubated at 22 C in humidity chambers maintaining 50%, 62.5%, 75%, 87.5%, and 100% relative humidity. Gametocysts were observed daily over 8 days to determine the rate and absolute percentage of gametocyst dehiscence for each treatment. Absolute dehiscence exceeded 85% for B. migrator over all humidities tested. Similar results were observed for B. cubensis at intermediate humidities, but dehiscence was significantly reduced at 100% and 50% humidity. Dehiscence rates were highest at 75% and 87.5% for B. migrator and B. cubensis, respectively. 2:15-2:30pm BREAK Oral Presentations #17-20 Chairpersons NICOLE TRAUB, Texas A&M University-Kingsville GUNNAR ORCUTT, Peru State College 2:30pm (U) 17. Effects of Horsehair Worm Cysts on Snail Gravitaxis. S. Qadri and J. Shea, Department of Biology, Creighton University, Omaha, NE. The life cycle of horsehair worms (Nematomorpha) comprises of free living and parasitic phases. The free-living phase includes the adult, egg, and larval stages while the parasitic phase involves an aquatic paratenic host where the horsehair worm encysts. Arthropods like midges or mosquitoes typically serve as paratenic hosts, but horsehair worms can also encyst in aquatic snails. If these paratenic hosts are consumed by the correct terrestrial definitive host, then the worm grows and manipulates the host back to an aquatic environment where it emerges to reproduce. Anecdotal evidence suggests that cyst-infected snails exhibit negative gravitaxis. To test this theory, snails (Physa sp) were collected from different sites around Lincoln, NE. Snails were placed in a white rectangular bucket (approximately 8cm x 15cm x 24cm) that was filled with RO water to 19 cm from

the bottom. The bucket was stored in a dark refrigerator for at least 24 hours. Before dissecting the snails to count cysts, the height at which each snail occurred was measured from the bottom of the bucket. Evidence suggests that cyst-infected snails exhibit weak negative gravitaxis; furthermore, snails with a greater numbers of cysts were found higher up in the bucket. If further lab studies support this conclusion, then snails may play a more important role in the natural life cycle of horsehair worms than previously believed. 2:45pm (U) 18. Dose-dependent mortality of Physa snails to the hairworm Paragordius varius. Fiona Nguyen and Ben Hanelt, Center of Evolutionary and Theoretical Immunology, Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM. The freshwater hairworm (Phylum Nematomorpha) life cycle involves 2 hosts. The paratenic host becomes infected with cysts in aquatic environments and includes snails; the definitive terrestrial insect host becomes infected by consuming the paratenic host containing cysts. Although the impact of hairworms on their definitive host has been studied, their impact on the paratenic host has not. Previous studies have shown that 40% of aquatic snails are naturally infected with cysts. Furthermore, it has been shown that snails can be superparasitized by other parasites in addition to hairworms. To examine the impact of hairworms on snails, we examined 1) the effect of the intensity of Paragordius varius (20, 50, 100, 500 cysts/snail) on the survival of laboratory-reared Physa sp. snails, and 2) the survival of field-collected Physa acuta infected and uninfected with an echinostome trematode. In the first experiment, we found that increasing cyst intensity correlated with increased snail mortality, with up to 45% mortality in snails infected with 500 cysts. In experiment 2, we found that mortality with 500 cysts increased to near 100% in snails without existing trematode infections and 80% with existing trematode infections. These data suggest that the presence of hairworms in aquatic environments may act as important drivers of selection. In addition, infection with trematodes appears to provide the snails with a protective effect. 3:00pm (G) 19. Prevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi within Mammalian Museum Specimens in West Central Texas. K. Skinner and N. Negovetich. Angelo State University Biology Department, San Angelo, Texas. Trypanosoma cruzi is a protozoan parasite and the causative agent of Chagas Disease. The life cycle of T. cruzi involves a dynamic relationship among Triatomine vectors (Hemiptera: Reduviidae), reservoir hosts, and humans. The presence of reservoir hosts is one of the many risk factors that can influence human risk of Chagas. While there have been a wealth of studies on the subject of T. cruzi, including descriptions of vector distribution and natural reservoir hosts, the West central region of Texas is sorely lacking survey results. Thus, the overall objective of this study is to assess the prevalence of infection with T. cruzi in reservoir hosts by utilizing museum mammalian host tissue collected from 8 counties of west central Texas. DNA was extracted from frozen liver tissue deposited in the Angelo State Natural History Collection and analyzed using T. cruzi-specific

primers (TCZ1, TCZ2, TCZ3, and TCZ4) in nested PCR. Temporal and geographical correlations between T. cruzi prevalence and the various species of mammalian reservoirs will be discussed. 3:15pm (G) 20. Patterns of Parasitism: The Latitudinal Diversity Gradient of Parasitic Helminths. W.C. Preisser, Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX. The tropics are host to the greatest diversity of animal fauna, with species diversity generally decreasing as latitude increases. Less attention, however, has been given to parasite latitudinal diversity gradients (LDG). Given their physiological and biological requirements, parasites might be expected to follow a similar LDG pattern as their hosts. However, there is not a clear consensus on a general latitudinal pattern of parasite diversity, and more studies investigating this topic are needed. It is important to note that latitude itself cannot explain changes in species richness; rather, multiple abiotic and biotic factors vary with latitude, and the amount of pressure they exert on parasites may vary across geography. This research assessed the parasite LDG by field sampling rodents and their helminth parasites across a latitudinal gradient. Additionally, abiotic and biotic factors were correlated with helminth diversity at various latitudes to reveal significant correlates of the LDG of helminths. Rodents were trapped and collected from specific sites along a latitudinal gradient across North and Central America. Captured rodents were humanely euthanized and dissected for internal parasite collection. Collected helminths were identified to the genus or species level using morphological methods and preserved using standard techniques. At each trapping locality, abiotic and biotic factors were measured, including average rainfall, temperature, host sex, and body size. These factors were analyzed with helminth diversity to find significant correlates with parasite diversity, with analyses performed both across localities and within host species. Results of the helminthic diversity of collected rodents will be discussed, as will preliminary results of correlations between various abiotic and biotic factors and diversity. 3:30-4:00pm BREAK 4:00-5:30 PANEL DISCUSSION & REFRESHMENTS Presiding: M.A. BARGER Panel: JOHN JANOVY, JR., University of Nebraska—Lincoln. RICHARD CLOPTON, Peru State College. JOHN A. HNIDA, Midwestern University. KIRSTEN JENSEN, University of Kansas. JILLIAN DETWILER, University of Manitoba. HEATHER STIGGE, College of Saint Mary.

Marc Dresden, President of SWAP, 1990. Courtesy of Baylor College of Medicine Archives.

5:30-6:30pm DINNER 6:30-8:00pm SWAP BUSINESS MEETING LIBRARY 8:00-9:00PM PRESIDENT’S RECEPTION & POSTER SESSION Posters are available for viewing during the entire meeting in the Dining Hall. Authors of posters will be available for questions during the assigned poster session period. 21. The Post-Partum Effects of the Hairworm Paragoridus varius on the Biology of the House Cricket, Acheta domesticus. C. Anaya1, 2, L. Vredevoe¹, G. Kolluru¹, B. Hanelt3 and M. G. Bolek.2 1Department of Biology, California Polytechnic State University, 2Department of Integrative Biology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 3Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM. Freshwater gordiids have complex life cycles which include multiple hosts and a free-living aquatic phase. All gordiids develop in the hemocoel of their terrestrial arthropod host. Within the host, gordiids grow from a length of 60–100 μm to a length of over 2 m for some species. Anecdotal field observations indicate that arthropod hosts appear to show a high degree of hairworm induced pathology. Reports indicate that after worms emerge from their hosts, only the gut remains within the arthropod’s body cavity, and the production of eggs by female arthropod hosts is inhibited or absent altogether. To test the effect of parasitism on the arthropod host, four-week old female house crickets (Acheta domesticus) were infected with the hairworm Paragordius varius. Once worms emerged from their crickets, morphological and physiological parameters were measured and compared with control uninfected crickets. In an independent study, infected crickets that survived infection, were provided food and water and observed for post-infection egg production. Our results indicate that cricket body length and ovipositor length, as well as lipid content and egg production were significantly reduced in infected crickets compared to sham-infected control crickets. However, post-infected crickets had a 96% survival rate with an average lifespan of 27 days post worm emergence. Additionally, female crickets produced eggs after releasing hairworms. This work is the first to demonstrate post infection egg production for crickets infected with P. varius and to experimentally document the negative effects of parasitism by hairworms on their arthropod hosts and post-infection biology. 22. Testing the Effects of Gill and Muscle Metacercariae on the Swimming Ability of Small Fish. K. Clements, D. G. Huffman, and D. Huston. Department of Biology, Texas State University, San Marcos, and the School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, Australia. In 2014, our lab reported on the design and successful testing of a “swim tunnel” device to quantify the effects of gill and muscle metacercariae upon the swimming ability of small fishes. We are now preparing for phase II of the project, which will involve the testing of two cyprinids with very differing ecologies and swimming abilities; the listed Devils River minnow (Dionda diaboli), which prefers low currents under cover of submerged macrophytes, and the blacktail shiner (Cyprinella

venusta), which prefers the moderate currents of pelagic areas just downstream from riffles. Each run of the experiment will involve two sets of 15 aquaria containing four fish each, and divided by screens into four chambers. Experimental aquaria will receive specific exchanges of cercaria-laden water each day for two weeks, such that fish will be infected at varying intensities, and at varying rates. Some runs will involve cercariae of Centrocestus formosanus, which alters gill architecture, while other runs will receive cercariae of Haplorchis pumilio, which attacks the caudal peduncle. After a week-long incubation period following the cessation of cercaria introductions, the fish will be transferred individually to the testing device where they will be exposed to a laminar flow of aerated water at 23 °C flowing at 80% of their maximum swimming speed until the fish can no longer recover from being pinned against the downstream barrier screen. Spent fish will then be anesthetized in MS222 and preserved for later necropsy and metacercarial counts. Time to failure for each fish will be regressed against the number of metacercarial cysts found in that fish during necropsy. 23. An Investigation to Determine the Critical Thermal Minimum (CTmin) of Two Thiarid Snails Supporting Invasive Trematodes in Central Texas Riverine Systems and the Development of a Thermal Preferenda Trough-Device. L. R. Delices, and D. G. Huffman, Aquatic Biology, Department of Biology, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX. Two invasive thiarid snails (Melanoides tuberculata and Tarebia granifera), both parthenogenetic, and with populations consisting of one or more genetic clones, have brought three Asiatic parasites of fishes, birds, and humans to Central Texas. For decades prior to 2009, the known distribution of M. tuberculata in Central Texas was restricted to thermally stable spring runs, and the snails apparently could not survive in connecting surface-fed streams due to lethal winter thermal minima. Since then, the species has suddenly colonized two connecting and thermally ambient streams for many kilometers from the spring runs. Reports of experimentally determined critical thermal minimum (CTmin) for M. tuberculata vary widely between studies. Unfortunately, previous thermal studies did not address the genetic clones the investigators were testing, and it is possible that the variation was due to different clones originating from different climatic regions in the native range. Our lab has recently sequenced DNA from various morphotypes of local thiarid snails to determine which clones have invaded our local streams. We are concurrently evaluating the cold tolerance of the different genetic clones in Central Texas to determine which clones have been able to thrive in the thermally ambient connecting streams. We will also report recent progress on a relatively inexpensive and easy-to-operate thermal-gradient device that we are developing which will allow us to determine the thermal preferenda of the various clones of local thiarid snails. 24. Gizzard Helminths in the Gadwall (Anas strepera) Wintering Along the Mid-Texas Coast. C. Heger1, C. Schneider1, D. Butler2, and A. Fedynich3 1Department of Animal, Rangeland, and Wildlife Sciences, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, TX 78363; 2Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Bay City, TX 77414; 3Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, TX 78363. The Gadwall (Anas strepera) is a duck within the family Anatidae. To learn more about the gizzard helminth community within gadwalls wintering in coastal areas of Texas, we examined the gizzards of 89 (16 juvenile females, 13 juvenile males, 39 adult males, 19 adult females, 2 unknown age males) hunter-shot gadwalls that were collected during the 2008–2009 and 2009–2010 hunting

seasons at the Justin Hurst Wildlife Management Area waterfowl check station in Brazoria County, Texas and the Mad Island Wildlife Management Area in Matagorda County, Texas. Three species of nematodes (Amidostomum acutum, Epomidiostomum uncinatum, and Streptocara crassicauda) were found comprising 267 individuals. Epomidiostomum uncinatum was the most prevalent (55%) and abundant (137 individuals), followed by A. acutum (53% and 129) and S. crassicauda (1% and 1). Intensity of infection of A. acutum and E. uncinatum averaged 2.7 ± 0.3 (SE) and 2.8 ± 0.3, respectively. There were no significant differences in prevalence or mean abundance for A. acutum or E. uncinatum by host age or sex. Findings from this study provide insight regarding gizzard helminths occurring in gadwalls.

25. Parasites of Feeder Fish. C. Frost and N. J. Negovetich, Department of Biology, Angelo State University, San Angelo, TX.

Small comet goldfish are often used by aquarium hobbyists as a food source for larger, carnivorous pet fish. The purpose of this research is to determine which parasites, if any, are found in local comet goldfish and what effects the parasites may have on pet fish that are given the feeder fish as a food source. Small comet goldfish from two local pet stores (Petco and PetSmart) were examined for parasites. These fish are held in extremely overcrowded tanks that leave the fish susceptible to stress and disease. Preliminary surveys of these feeder fish from both stores have revealed the presence of Gyrodactylus sp. on these fish. Of the fish examined from each store, the feeder fish from Petco were much more heavily infected than their PetSmart counterparts. Gyrodactylus sp. can reproduce rapidly and cause significant pathology in its fish host. Thus, abstaining from the use of comet goldfish as a food source for carnivorous pet fish is essential in ensuring the health of the pet fish.

26. A New Species of Huffmanela (Nematoda: Trichosomoididae: Huffmanelinae) from a Spring near Menard, TX. C. K. Koll, M. L. D. Worsham and D. G. Huffman, Aquatic Biology Station, Department of Biology, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX.

Eggs of a presumptive new species of Huffmanela have been discovered within the swim bladder of centrarchid fishes caught in Clear Creek Springs near Menard, TX, and in the headwaters of the connecting San Saba River a few kilometers away. The new species is similar to H. huffmani, in that it is a histoparasitic freshwater nematode found exclusively within the swim bladder retes of centrarchid fishes. However, the new species is isolated from H. Huffmani by more than 200 kilometers of thalweg, and apparently has been since the extensive droughts of the Holocene. Experiments in our lab have determined that the new species is using two amphipod species (Hyallela spp.) endemic to the upper San Saba drainage for intermediate hosts. Crossover experiments conducted in our lab to compare the infectivity of the two Huffmanela species to the Hyalella species from the drainage of the other Huffmanela indicate that the genomes of the two Huffmanela spp have diverged substantially. These findings, together with the long-term geographic isolation of the two Huffmanela species, are consistent with allopatric speciation having occurred. We are conducting experiments to complete the life cycle of the new species, and are surveying centrarchid species from the San Saba River for differential prevalence and intensity ratings. Any adults discovered during the survey or during the life-cycle experiments will be used to describe the morphometry of the new species. We will also be attempting to sequence several mitochondrial genes from the new species as well as H. huffmani. This may require the development of new primers, since no gene sequences of any of the 20+ species of Huffmanela have been reported as of this writing.

G. Robert Coatney, 1st President of SWAP. Courtesy of The Journal of Parasitology.

27. The Prevalence, Distribution, and Potential Impact of Eye-flukes (Philophthalmus spp) in Waterfowl Populations Wintering in Texas. J. Leach, C. M. Green, D. Rodriguez, S. F. Harding, and D. G. Huffman Department of Biology, Texas State University, San Marcos. Approximately 80-90% of waterfowl using the Central Flyway will winter in Texas. This makes waterfowl of economic importance to the state which has become a Mecca for duck hunters. We have become concerned that the invasive eye-fluke (Philophthalmus gralli), introduced to Texas through the San Antonio Zoo in the late 60s, might be having a detrimental impact on one of the state’s and indeed the continent’s important natural resources. The spread of P. gralli in North America can be attributed to the invasiveness of its intermediate hosts, the thiarid snails Melanoides tuberculata and Tarebia granifera, and the migratory nature of many of its avian definitive hosts. Little work has been done to assess the prevalence of P. gralli in wild waterfowl, or to assess the impacts it may be having on those populations. Our study involves careful examination of the eyes of hundreds of hunter-harvested waterfowl collected in Texas during duck season. In the spring, we will also net birds at the SA Zoo and examine them for philophthalmids. We are also testing for evidence of substrate selection by the cercariae, which will allow us to predict the prevalence of eye flukes in other avian species based on their ecology. Other species of Philophthalmus have been collected thus far, and we are preparing representative specimens of every morphotype for DNA work-up, and also staining and mounting some specimens for morphometric studies. Several host records for P. gralli have already been established in our study. All philophthalmids are being measured for gross morphometrics (L, W, and relative sucker sizes), which will allow us to determine, for instance, whether a bird has had multiple infections over time, or has only recently become infected before being harvested, etc. 28. Detecting the Prevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi in Mexican Free-Tailed Bats (Tadarida brasiliensis) of Oklahoma by Polymerase Chain Reaction. Nichols, M. D., C. Knight, and W. D. Lord, Department of Biology, University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, OK, USA. Trypanosoma cruzi is a vector-borne protozoan parasite and the etiological agent of Chagas disease in 8 million people worldwide, which causes chronic cardiomyopathy, megacolon, and megaesophagus. T. cruzi was historically endemic in South America, but through human immigration and reservoir host migration, T. cruzi infections are now worldwide. T. cruzi is transmitted via a triatomine insect, which are distributed across the Americas. Triatomines feed upon numerous mammals including dogs, humans, and bats, such as Mexican free-tails. Mexican free-tailed bats (Tadarida brasiliensis) migrate annually from South America to North America, giving this species one of the largest mammalian geographic ranges in the Western Hemisphere. We hypothesize that Mexican free-tails play an epidemiological role in the expansion of T. cruzi infections in Oklahoma due to their migration from endemic South American areas to Oklahoma and the natural history of bats as the original reservoir hosts for T. cruzi. To test this hypothesis, a total of 100 samples will be collected from each of the four maternity roosts in Oklahoma. These roosts include the following caves: Merrihew, Reed, Vickery, and Selman. Wing punches from the uropatagium and plagiopatagium will be collected from each specimen. DNA extraction will occur using the DNeasy Blood and Tissue Kit and polymerase chain reaction will be performed using the TCZ1/TCZ2 primer set. Samples will be subjected to gel electrophoresis and photographed for data analysis. In addition to wing punch sampling, triatomines will be collected at each cave using a CO2 trap and collected specimens will be analyzed by light microscopy and PCR. Results will be presented as made available.

29. Determining the Identity and Life Cycle of a Pentastomid (Sebekia sp.) Suddenly Found Impacting Fishes and Aquatic Turtles in the Waterways of San Marcos, TX. A. E. Scott, M. L. D. Worsham, José Martinez, and D. G. Huffman, Department of Biology, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX. Parasites within the family Sebekidae (Crustacea: Maxillopoda: Pentastomida: Porocephalida) develop to an infective larval stage in freshwater-fish intermediate hosts and terminate in definitive crocodilian and chelonian hosts. In 2013, morphological analysis of a specimen collected from the coelomic cavity of a sunfish caught in the San Marcos River suggested that the species was Sebekia mississippiensis. Multiple turtle deaths (“floaters”) have been documented in Hays County water bodies with the cause of death determined by veterinarians to be a bacterial respiratory infection of unknown origin. After examining a frozen specimen of one such turtle, we discovered eggs in the lungs that appeared to be of Sebekia. We propose that the bacterial infection blamed for the deaths of the floaters is actually a secondary condition resulting from the destruction of lung tissue by adult Sebekia sp. within the respiratory tracts of the floaters. Curiously, our lab has examined thousands of local fish over 40+ years, and had never recovered a single pentastomid larva until 2013. In one lab exercise in 2015, we saw probably 50+ infected fish. Our study involves examination of fecal specimens from chelonians gathered from three study sites in the San Marcos vicinity. Some individuals that test positive will be euthanized and their lungs examined for adult pentastomids. We will also determine the prevalence of larvae in local fish species. We will attempt to identify the parasite to species level via DNA sequence analysis and morphometric analysis of adults and eggs, and attempt to determine how the life-cycle of the parasite is being maintained in the area, especially from egg to fish hosts. 30. Sex Ratios of the Commonly Occurring Nematode Aulonocephalus pennula in Scaled Quail (Callipepla squamata) from South Texas. T. R. Shirley, N. J. Traub, and A. M. Fedynich, Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, Texas. Polygamous mating is thought to prevail in nematodes. Hypotheses concerning nematode reproduction strategies predict that sex ratios at the component population level are female biased at low prevalence and mean intensity and approach 1:1 as prevalence and mean intensity increase. Thus, the degree of aggregation at the component population level may have little effect on mating probability when prevalence and mean intensity are high for polygamous nematode species. However, little is known about sex ratios occurring at the helminth infrapopulation level where mating actually occurs. Aulonocephalus pennula, a commonly occurring cecal nematode of quails, was examined from scaled quail (Callipepla squamata) to learn more about sex ratios at the helminth infrapopulation and component population levels. We necropsied 25 hunter-shot scaled quail collected between December 2016 and February 2017 in Zapata and Jim Hogg counties, Texas. Aulonocephalus pennula occurred in all 25 birds examined (100% prevalence). We report our findings on the sex ratios of A. pennula and discuss its potential impact on A. pennula productivity and persistence within the host population.

31. First Report of Mesocestoides Larvae in Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) and Scaled Quail (Callipepla squamata). Nicole J. Traub1, Bradley W. Kubečka1, 2, Taylor Shirley1, John M. Kinsella3, Dale Rollins2, and Alan M. Fedynich1. 1Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, TX, 78363, USA; 2Rolling Plains Quail Research Ranch, Rotan, Texas, 79546, USA; 3HelmWest Laboratory, 2108 Hilda Avenue, Missoula, Montana, 59801, USA. The genus Mesocestoides is a representative of the small cyclophyllidean family Mesocestoididae Fuhrmann, 1907 that parasitizes the small intestine of its definitive hosts (vertebrates such as carnivorous birds, reptiles, and mammals). Unlike other cyclophyllidean cestodes that have a two host life cycle, those in Mesocestoididae require a three host life cycle. A copraphagous arthropod serves as the presumed first intermediate host and various vertebrates serve as the second intermediate host. The second larval stage (termed tetrathyridia or metacestode) has been found on all continents, except Australia. Tetrathyridia have been reported from mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, but comparatively few avian species. Seven avian Orders have been documented to host Mesocestoides tetrathyridia, the most prevalent being Galliformes and Passeriformes. In February 2017, a hunter-shot Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) and a Scaled Quail (Callipepla squamata) from northwestern and southern Texas, respectively, were infected with tetrathyridia. The larvae occurred on the surface of the crop, under the pericardial sac, and attached to the serous membrane of (and free-floating throughout) the body cavity. Identification was made using morphological characteristics. Specimen examination revealed the presence of an apical invagination, and absence of a rostellum, hooks or suckers. The condition of the quails seemed healthy and no lesions were found based on macroscopic examination. This appears to be the first noted instance of tetrathyridia in wild North American birds. 32. The Parasites, Genetics, and Morphometry of the Invasive Thiarid Snail, Tarebia granifera, in Central Texas. E. Valenta, S. F. Harding, D. Rodriguez, and D. G. Huffman, Aquatic Biology Station, Department of Biology, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX. Tarebia granifera (Thiaridae) is an invasive aquatic snail native to Southeast Asia, and is thought to have been introduced to Central Texas waterways around the mid 1930s. These snails carry parasitic flukes of public and wildlife health concern, such as Haplorchis pumilio, Philophthalmus gralli, and possibly Paragonimus westermani (the Oriental lung fluke). The genetics of this parthenogenetic species is poorly understood; thus, our lab is performing mitochondrial DNA sequencing on several populations of T. granifera from the San Marcos, Guadalupe, and Comal Rivers. We expect these studies to reveal at least three undocumented clones of T. granifera in Central Texas. Once the genetic clones have been identified, we will perform morphometric analyses on standardized photos of the sequenced snails and retrospectively develop criteria for distinguishing the clones based on appearance. We will also retrospectively correlate parasitological infection rates among the detected clones of sequenced snails. These data could provide insight into the differential infectivity of detected clones, and may even provide illumination into the controversy regarding whether or not Tarebia granifera can serve as host for larval Paragonimus westermani.

33. Characteristics of Family Orobanchaceae and Other Parasitic Plants of New Mexico. E. Gagliano. Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM. Parasitic angiosperms are plants that have become specialized to obtain their nutrients from other living host flora. Plant parasites exhibit unique anatomical and physiological traits such as highly modified roots - haustoria - which penetrate the host's xylem and/or phloem, and different amounts of decay in genes that would allow photosynthesis and carbon fixation, depending on their nutritional habits and the degree to which they depend on their host. Several types of parasitic plants live in New Mexico: orchids, mistletoe, dodder, toadflax, and stemsucker, as well as the root parasite Indianpipe which is unique in that it obtains its nutrients from the mycorrhizal fungal symbionts of a host plant. New Mexico is also host to several genera of the Orobanchaceae family, a globally prolific clade with species of all parasitic nutritional habits: facultative, hemiparasitic, and holoparasitic. This study is an initial literature review of the parasitic plants of New Mexico, as a first step in understanding the role of plant parasitism in arid ecosystems, and the results of the related evolutionary pressures.

END OF POSTER SESSION

Lillian Mayberry, President of SWAP, 1990 & 1991. Courtesy of Scott L. Gardner.

Saturday, April 22, 2017 Oral Presentations

LIBRARY Oral Presentations #34-38 Chairpersons TAYLOR HERZOG, Peru State College RYAN KOCH, Oklahoma State University 8:45am 34. Mating Behavior of the Horsehair Worm, Paragordius varius (Nematomorpha). J. Shea and M. Barry, Department of Biology, Creighton University, Omaha, NE. We examined the mating behavior of adult freshwater horsehair worms, Paragordius varius, under laboratory conditions. Horsehair worms infect various terrestrial insects, which they manipulate into entering water where the adults emerge, mate and lay eggs. We asked if hairworm adults locate each other randomly or non-randomly. To test this, we established male-male, female-female or female-male pairings using virgin adult hairworms. We placed the individuals from these pairs in the opposite corners of a 10-gallon aquarium and timed how long it took for the adults to make contact under red light conditions in 15-minute trials. We hypothesized that if adults locate each other non-randomly, then individuals from female-male pairs would make contact sooner than same sex pairs. Although not statistically significant, the results support our hypothesis with the average time to first contact between female-male pairs (n = 25) taking 217 seconds versus 266 seconds for same sex pairs (n = 24). All individuals from male-male pairs made first contact while only 64% of the individuals from female-male pairs (n = 39) and 64% of the female-female pairs (n = 29) made first contact. After contact with another adult, males wrap their posterior end around the other adult to initiate copulation. 64% of the males did this with females in an average of 305 seconds compared to 47% of males that initiated copulatory behavior with another male in 367 seconds. Results from choice experiments will also be reported. 9:00am 35. The Nasty Relationship between Ophryocystis elektroscirrha and the Monarch Butterfly, Danaus Plexippus! What Can Buying Infected Butterfly Specimens On The Internet Tell Us? M. G. Bolek, R. A. Shannon, and K. A. Baum. Department of Integrative Biology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK. The pathogenic neogregarine Ophryocystis elektroscirrha infects the hypodermal tissues of monarch (D. plexippus) and queen butterflies (D. gilippus). However, the transmission and distribution of these parasites in other butterfly species is not well understood. Currently, 2 routes of transmission have been proposed for O. elektroscirrha and include horizontal transmission, when butterflies deposit protozoan oocysts on milkweed leaves and through maternal transmission, when females deposit oocysts on eggs during oviposition. Caterpillars become infected when they ingest oocysts from milkweed leaves or egg cases after hatching. However, the mechanism of oocyst transfer from female

butterflies to their eggs is unknown. To investigate this, we examined the abdomen region of infected female monarchs using SEM. Our results indicate that all infected female monarchs contained O. elektroscirrha oocysts in their ovipore. This observation supports the maternal transmission route of O. elektroscirrha. More importantly, because caterpillars of many butterfly species ingest their egg cases after hatching, our observations suggest that the genus Ophryocystis should be maintained in butterfly lineages and potentially infect other species of butterflies. To test this, we sampled 23 species of milkweed butterflies from 8 genera including all Danaus spp. for Ophryocystis infections by buying dry butterflies sold for the butterfly collector trade. Based on oocyst morphology and 18S rDNA sequences, at least 5 species of milkweed butterflies from 2 genera collected from 4 continents were infected. However, oocyst morphology and host pathology, defined as embedded oocysts in the cuticle of butterflies, was conserved within clades but distinct among clades of milkweed butterflies. The implications of our findings are discussed in terms of conservation of migratory monarch butterfly populations and the geographic distribution and co-occurrence of Ophryocystis infected butterfly species. 9:15am 36. Helminth parasite assemblages in two cyprinids with different life history strategies. B. Ruehle, K. Herrmann, and C. Higgins, Tarleton State University, Department of Biological Sciences, Stephenville, TX. The life history of the host can determine the relationship with its parasites. Reproductive effort and age of the host are two life-history aspects often used to explain parasitic infection. In this study, we examined helminth parasite assemblages in two cyprinids with contrasting reproductive strategies, blacktail shiner Cyprinella venusta (crevice spawners) and mimic shiner Notropis volucellus (broadcast spawners), in the Paluxy River (Texas) from May 2014 through October 2015. Host reproduction was measured using the gonadosomatic index, and standard length was used as an estimate of age. Parasite infection was measured using total number of helminths, parasite richness, Shannon’s diversity, and Simpson’s diversity. Our results revealed significant differences in parasite number and diversity between the two species, but not between males and females within species. Additionally, our results showed that standard length was a better predictor of parasitic infection than the gonadosomatic index. The relationship between host size and parasitic infection was expected; however, the lack of a relationship between gonadosomatic indices and parasitic infection was surprising. In conclusion, standard length was a better predictor of parasitic infection than the gonadosomatic index, and as such multiple species and life history traits should be considered when investigating host-parasite relationships. 9:30am 37. Tadpole Parasite Community Structure: Do Parasite Life Cycles Matter? M. G. Bolek, C. C. Pierce, and K. D. Gustafson. Department of Integrative Biology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK. Currently, little information is available on parasite community structure in larval amphibians, specifically tadpoles of anurans. We examined the parasite community structure in tadpoles of 5 anuran species from an ephemeral wetland in northcentral Oklahoma. Specifically, we were

interested in how species-specific factors, such as size, feeding strategies, and habitat partitioning among larval anurans affect parasite community structure. Additionally, we assessed whether parasite life cycle strategies affected tadpole parasite community composition. During May–August 2015 and April–June 2016, we collected tadpoles of southern leopard frogs, Rana sphenocephala, Blanchard’s cricket frogs, Acris blanchardi, Cope’s gray treefrogs, Hyla chrysoscelis, spotted chorus frogs, Pseudacris clarkii, and Great Plains narrow-mouthed toads, Gastrophryne olivacea. The compound parasite community was dominated by larval trematode stages (mesocercariae and metacercariae), with only two gravid adult helminth species present, the trematode Megalodiscus temperatus, and nematode Gyrinicola batrachiensis. The parasite component communities were depauperate, with a maximum of six parasite species/types per component community. Although parasite host specificity cannot be ruled out, our results indicate that tadpole size was the primary factor determining parasite abundances and intensities. However, after controlling for species-specific differences in tadpole size, parasite life cycle strategy and host species were the major factors affecting tadpole parasite community structure. 9:45am 38. Residential surveillance of mosquito vectors in a large metropolitan area: Challenges and interpretations. Megan Wise de Valdez. Program of Biology Texas A&M-San Antonio, San Antonio, TX. San Antonio, Texas is the seventh largest city in the United States and is located approximately 100 miles from the Mexico border. Unlike other large cities in Texas, San Antonio has no mosquito control or surveillance district and much of what is known about mosquito distribution in this area has been related to military installations rather than areas where most people come in contact with mosquitoes. With local transmission of arboviruses like Zika as well as a high incidence of heartworm in dogs and cats, our ability to monitor and determine the distribution of the vectors of these viruses and parasites in areas where humans are most likely to be exposed to mosquitoes has become even more important. In the summers of 2015 and 2016 we conducted two systematic surveillance studies in residential backyards across San Antonio in order to provide the missing and relevant information on the mosquito species distribution in this important gateway city. We found that the most prevalent species in residential areas are the primary arbovirus vectors: Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, and Culex quinquefasciatus. We also found that different trapping methods altered the sampled relative abundance of each of these three species, which impacts our ability to accurately interpret potential risk of disease transmission in residential areas. I will discuss the temporal and spatial distribution of these and other species and how factors such as interspecific competition, location, socioeconomic status of neighborhoods, and individual home maintenance may influence mosquito distribution. Finally, I will comment on the role that my lab at Texas A&M-San Antonio has played in city-wide preparedness for a response to local Zika transmission. 10:00am CLOSING REMARKS ADJOURNMENT

Franklin Sogandares-Bernal, President of SWAP, 1971. Courtesy of Harold W. Manter Laboratory of Parasitology.

SWAP Officers Term Representative to ASP Council 1970-1973 Thomas C. Orihel 1973-1977 Walter M. Kemp 1977-1979 David G. Huffman 1979-1982 John Janovy, Jr. 1982-1987 Donald W. Duszynski 1987-1990 John R. Bristol 1990-1993 Danny Pence 1993-1996 Lynn Ann Hertel 1996-1998 Cynthia Chappell 1999-2000 Lee Couch 2000-2001 Scott L. Gardner 2001-2002 Richard E. Clopton 2002-2003 Scott L. Gardner 2003-2004 Michael A. Barger 2004-2005 Scott D. Snyder 2005-2006 Jerry L. Cook 2007-2008 Tamara J. Cook 2009-2010 Matthew G. Bolek 2011-2014 Richard E. Clopton 2015-2018 Matthew G. Bolek Secretary-Treasurer 1969-1971 Betty June Myers 1971-1974 Gilbert A. Castro 1974-1977 Thomas G. Meade 1977-1980 David A. Becker 1980-1983 David G. Huffman 1983-1986 A. Alan Kocan 1986-1989 Lillian F. Mayberry 1989-1992 David T. John 1992-1995 Eric S. Loker 1995-2001 John Janovy, Jr. 2001-2005 John Hnida 2005-2011 Jerry L. Cook 2011-2014 Debra T. Clopton 2014-2017 Tamara J. Cook President President-Elect 1969 G. Robert Coatney Franklin Sogandares-Bernal 1970 J. Teague Self Leroy J. Olson1971 Franklin Sogandares-Bernal Lionel Warren1972 Leroy J. Olson Betty June Myers 1973 Betty June Myers Thomas C. Orihel 1974 Clark P. Read (DV Moore) Donald V. Moore 1975 Robert E. Kuntz Gilbert A. Castro 1976 Gilbert A. Castro Richard D. Lumsden 1977 Richard D. Lumsden Calvin G. Beames, Jr. 1978 John R. Seed Calvin G. Beames, Jr.

Term President President-Elect 1979 Calvin G. Beames, Jr. Donald W. Duszynski 1980 Donald W. Duszynski Walter M. Kemp 1981 Walter M. Kemp John E. Ubelaker 1982 John E. Ubelaker Larry S. Roberts 1983 Larry S. Roberts Robert O. McAllister 1984 David G. Huffman Ben G. Harris 1985 Ben G. Harris John R. Bristol 1986 John R. Bristol Timothy P. Yoshino 1987 Timothy P. Yoshino A. Alan Kocan 1988 A. Alan Kocan John Janovy, Jr. 1989 John Janovy, Jr. Marc H. Dresden 1990 Marc H. Dresden (LF Mayberry) Lillian F. Mayberry 1991 Lillian F. Mayberry George L. Stewart 1992 George L. Stewart Cynthia L. Chappell 1993 Cynthia L. Chappell David T. John 1994 David T. John Jerry Y. Niederkorn 1995 Jerry Y. Niederkorn Lee Couch 1996 Lee Couch Steve J. Upton 1997 Steve J. Upton Chris T. McAllister 1998 Christ T. McAllister Patricia G. Wilber 1999 Patricia G. Wilber Richard E. Clopton 2000 Richard E. Clopton Brent B. Nickol 2001 Brent B. Nickol Dennis J. Richardson 2002 Dennis J. Richardson Sidney A. Ewing 2003 Sidney A. Ewing Scott D. Snyder 2004 Scott D. Snyder Tamara J. Cook 2005 Tamara J. Cook Michael A. Barger 2006 Michael A. Barger Scott L. Gardner 2007 Scott L. Gardner F. Agustin Jimenez 2008 F. Agustin Jimenez Kirsten Jensen 2009 Kirsten Jensen John Hnida 2010 John Hnida Matthew G. Bolek 2011 Matthew G. Bolek Alan M. Fedynich 2012 Alan M. Fedynich Charles K. Blend 2013 Charles K. Blend Ben Hanelt 2014 Ben Hanelt Sara V. Brant 2015 Sara V. Brant Megan Wise de Valdez 2016 Megan Wise de Valdez Nicholas Negovetich 2017 Nicholas Negovetich Michael A. Barger

The University of Oklahoma Biological Station is at the end of Oklahoma University Road, off of U.S. Highway 377, which is also Oklahoma State Highway 99, between Whitesboro, TX and

Madill, OK.