Influence of Developmental Stage and Seasonal Variations on the Prevalence of Gregarine Infection in Trilophidia annulata.

Authors

  • Dongare SP Department of Zoology, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Chh. Sambhajinagar- 431004
  • Kanse VS Department of Zoology, Deogiri College Chh. Sambhajinagar
  • Chondekar RP Department of Zoology, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Chh. Sambhajinagar- 431004

Keywords:

Grasshoppers, Trilophidia annulata, Gregarines, Developmental stage, Nymphs, Adults, Prevalence

Abstract

Gregarines as a common Apicomplexan parasite plays an important role in shaping the dynamics of insect populations. This study investigates the impact developmental stage of grasshopper along with seasonal variations on the prevalence and intensity of gregarine parasitism in have to get more awareness about their host parasitic relationship. Trilophidia annulata specimens were collected from the campus of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra. The grasshoppers were classified into two groups based on developmental stages: nymphs and adults. The digestive tracts of the specimens were microscopically examined to detect the presence of gregarine parasites. Statistical analysis was conducted to assess the influence of grasshopper developmental stage on the prevalence and intensity of parasitism. A total of 341 adult grasshoppers were analysed, with 60.11% found to be infected. While a total of 429 nymph samples were collected and examined under a microscope. About 71.79% of them were found to be infected. It is also observed that grasshoppers are more infected in monsoon than in winter season.  Understanding the role of factor like developmental stage and seasonality in gregarine parasitism will helps us in maintaining pests ecological and economical balance. Nymphs exhibited higher infection rates compared to adults, suggesting a developmental susceptibility to gregarine parasites. These results contribute to understanding the ecological dynamics of parasitism in grasshopper populations and highlight the need for further research on the factors driving these patterns in the context of regional environmental conditions. Our findings indicate significant variation in parasitism rates between different developmental stages of grasshoppers. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for managing grasshopper populations and mitigating their impact on agriculture in the Marathwada region.

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Published

2025-03-31

How to Cite

Dongare SP, Kanse VS, & Chondekar RP. (2025). Influence of Developmental Stage and Seasonal Variations on the Prevalence of Gregarine Infection in Trilophidia annulata. International Journal of Life Sciences, 13(1), 123–128. Retrieved from https://ijlsci.in/ls/index.php/home/article/view/1460

Issue

Vol. 13 No. 1 (2025): International Journal of Life Sciences

Section

Research Articles

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