Literaturdatenbank
Literaturdatenbank |
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Werner, R. E. (2003). Parasites in the diamondback terrapin, malaclemys terrapin: a review. Journal of Herpetological Medicine and Surgery, 13(4), 5–9.
Added by: Admin (14 Aug 2008 20:37:24 UTC) |
| Resource type: Journal Article BibTeX citation key: Werner2003 View all bibliographic details  |
Categories: General Keywords: Emydidae, Malaclemys, Malaclemys terrapin, Parasiten = parasites, Schildkröten = turtles + tortoises, Veterinärmedizin = veterinary medicine Creators: Werner Collection: Journal of Herpetological Medicine and Surgery |
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| Abstract |
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The diamondback terrapin, Malaclemys terrapin, is a unique brackish water turtle that lives in the marshes, estuaries, and tidal creeks of the Eastern and Gulf Coasts of the United States. Their adult carapace size ranges from five inches in males to nine inches in females. Shell pattern and skin color vary widely but all terrapins share the diamond-shaped scutes on their shells. This species, which includes seven recognized sub-species, has long been prized as a food source and continues to be harvested commercially on a small scale in some areas. An extensive search of the literature on parasites in Malaclemys terrapin only yielded four endoparasites identified as coming specifically from M. terrapin - the small roundworm, Camallanus seurti (aka Cuculanus microcephalus) and three flatworms: Neopolystoma orbiculare (aka Polystoma minimum), Telorchis corti, and Pleurogonius malaclemys. The other four endoparasites from "food terrapins" or "terrapins" were all found by Leidy in the 19th century but the exact host species will probably remain a mystery. None of the reports addresses pathologic effects of the parasites. The only ectoparasite that has been positively identified in the diamondback terrapin is the barnacle, and its status as a true parasite is open to question. Fly larvae have been mentioned, but the merit of these reports is questionable. Further research on parasitism in the diamondback terrapin is needed. Information on the occurrence of specific parasites and their pathogenicity could be useful for monitoring the health of diamondbacks and might also be of value for conservation programs. Virtually all turtles living in the wild have parasites so it would be atypical if Malaclemys terrapin proves to be relatively parasite free. The lack of evidence of parasitism in the New Jersey study (Werner, et al, 2002) may be due to serval factors, including isolated populations, lack of intermediate hosts, natural resistance, time of year, and lack of sensitivity of cloacal flushes. Careful examination of many diamondback terrapin populations, including oral examination and swabbing, fecal flotation, urine sediment analysis, and thorough necropsy will be necessary to shed more light on the parasitic status of this unique creature. Address (URL): http://www.arav.org/journals/JA021741.htm
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