Seasonal dynamics of Thelandros maplestonei infections in the wall lizard, Hemidactylus flaviviridis in Imphal Valley, Manipur, India

The influence of seasons on the population dynamics of the nematode, Thelandros maplestonei infection in Hemidactylus flaviviridis was studied for one annual cycle in the Imphal Valley, Manipur, India. Various factors like the incidence, intensity, density, index of infection and dominance of this parasite was observed in relation to temperature and rainfall. The incidence, intensity, density, index of infection and dominance of T. maplestonei was higher in monsoon season, while lowest during winter. The intensity and density of female T. maplestonei was found to be comparatively higher than the male parasites and this observation indicated a shift from the previous studies. The study thus indicated that the temperature and rainfall acts as one of the most favourable extrinsic factors for T. maplestonei infections in H. flaviviridis in the Imphal Valley, Manipur.