Eating for Two: Does Parasitic Infection Alter the Feeding Behavior of the Invasive Japanese Mystery Snail?

Abstract

Invasive species can impact community interactions via the introduction of novel parasites. Japanese Mystery Snails (Heterogen japonica) within the Potomac and Rappahannock rivers have been found to host Aspidogaster trematodes. Using this relationship as a test case, we examined how parasites can impact host feeding behavior. To answer this question, we offered 39 snails from the Rappahannock river a simulated diet (2 grams of cucumber +- 0.5 g) for 24 hours and then evaluated their size, infection status, and approximate food consumption. Our results showed that parasitized snails on average consumed less food when compared to uninfected snails. In addition, brood size was also decreased in females that were parasitized. Taken together with previous experiments, these results suggest that infection with Aspidogaster is correlated with decreased feeding behavior. However, further experimentation should be done to ameliorate our understanding of host/parasite interactions and their effect on behavioral changes.

Japanese Mystery Snails (Heterogen japonica) within the Potomac and Rappahannock rivers have been found to host Aspidogaster trematodes. . Using this relationship as a test case, we examined how parasites can impact host feeding behavior. To answer this question, we offered 39 snails from the Rappahannock river a simulated diet (2 grams of cucumber +- 0.5 g) for 24 hours and then evaluated their size, infection status, and approximate food consumption. Our results showed that parasitized snails on average consumed less food when compared to uninfected snails (P=.027). In addition, brood size was also decreased in females that were parasitized. Taken together with previous experiments, these results suggest that infection with Aspidogaster is correlated with decreased feeding behavior. However, further experimentation should be done to ameliorate our understanding of host/parasite interactions and their effect on behavioral changes.