Baikal

Zoological excursions

Nematodes (Nemathelminthes)

Gordius aquaticus

Nematodes (Nemathelminthes)

Among nematodes there are hairworms (Nematomorpha), which parasitize different arthropods, mainly insects. Adult hairworms are of brown colour. Their body length varies from some cm to 1.5 m. They may be found in small warm water bodies where they reproduce. Larvae of hairworms are introduced into larvae of aquatic insects, which are secondary hosts. Terrestrial insects are infected feeding on invasive aquatic larvae. Hairworms parasitize more often carabid beetles, burying beetles, and orthopterous insects. They live in the body cavity. Reaching limit sizes, they come out damaging the cover of the host. After that they usually die. They usually come out of the host when insects accidentally fall into the water or appear to be close to the water body. Hairworms are not dangerous for a human being.