EFFECT OF SEASON ON ORAL AND GASTRIC NEMATODES IN THE FRILLNECK LIZARD FROM AUSTRALIA

The prevalence and intensity of nematodes from the stomach and the pre valence of nematodes in the oral cavity were recorded in the frillneck lizard, Chlamydosaurus kingii, in Kakadu National Park (Australia) be tween 1991 and 1994, in order to determine whether or not a seasonal p attern was evident. Seven species were recorded; Strongyluris paronai, Skrjabinoptera goldmanae, Abbreviata confusa, Abbreviata anomala, Phy salopteroides filicauda, Kreisiella sp. and a species of Trichostrongy loidea. Only S. paronai showed a seasonal pattern. Only larval S. para onai occurred in stomach samples and larvae of this species occurred s easonally in the oral cavity of C. kingii, substantiating earlier find ings that this genus migrates within the host. The occurrence of S. pa ronai in the oral cavity coincided with the highest prevalence and int ensity of S. paronai in stomach samples. This shows a previously unrec orded aspect in the life cycle of this nematode species. Prevalence of S. paronai was positively correlated with ambient temperature which i s highest in the months preceding the monsoonal rains, and coincides w ith an increase in field metabolic rate and general activity of the ho st.