The population biology of Hymenolepis tenerrima (Linstow 1882) Fuhrmann 1906 (Cestoda, Hymenolepididae) in its intermediate host Herpetocypris reptans (Ostracoda).

The occurrence of Hymenolepis tenerrima cysticercoids in a population of the intermediate host, Herpetocypris reptans is described for a one year period between October 1980 and September 1981. Parasite occurrence varied seasonally. The prevalence of infection decreased during the winter due to the death of infected hosts and low levels of transmission. Parasite transmission increased during the summer months and the maximum number of cysticercoid stages in the environment occurred in June. Juvenile ostracods were not infected and in adult ostracods a maximum of 3 cysticercoids/host was observed. The presence of H. tenerrima larval stages within the haemocoele had a marked influence upon the survival and fecundity of infected ostracod intermediate hosts.