Long-term variation in an occurrence of Rhabditis orbitalis parasitic larvae (Nematoda, Rhabditidae) in the eyes of montane rodents

摘要: During a long-term survey (1999–2005) of parasitic larvae nidicolous nematode Rhabditis orbitalis Sudhaus et Schulte, 1986 in the West Tatra Mts, nematodes were detected eye orbits snow voles Chionomys nivalis 1999, 2004 and 2005. In last year, R. was also another vole species Clethrionomys glareolus Microtus tatricus both previously studied site Low however, it has never appeared at other rodent species. For first time, an irregular occurrence been ascertained natural conditions Slovak mountains. The occurred only during autumn or cold rather wet summer months, when density preferred host Ch. relatively low. A hypothesis put forward that occasional appearance life cycle bacteriophagous represents strategy for surviving periods scarcity bacterial food, which could be influenced by combination weather conditions, rodents seasonal abundance nests.