CHANGES INDUCED BY HYMENOLEPIS-DIMINUTA (CESTODA) IN THE BEHAVIOR OF THE INTERMEDIATE HOST TENEBRIO-MOLITOR (COLEOPTERA)

Metacestodes of the rat tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta, have been shown to induce behavioural changes in the intermediate host Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera). Male and female beetles, examined 11-12 days postinfection, were shown to exhibit a significant decrease in activity and photophobic behaviour. In addition, a significant loss of response to aggregation pheromone occurred in both sexes. No differences in host behaviour were detected 4-5 days postinfection. It thus appears that behavioural changes are associated with parasite maturity. We were unable to demonstrate a dose-dependent loss of photophobic behaviour.