Horsehair worms, or Gordian worms, are long, thin, free-living worms belonging to the phylum Nematomorpha. While adult worms are non-parasitic, their immature stages parasitize insects like crickets and cockroaches. They are harmless to humans and considered beneficial for natural insect control.
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Forest officials have recently discovered a Horsehair worm (Nematomorpha) in the Motidol beat of Panna Reserve's Mohandra region.
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Feature |
Description |
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Phylum |
Nematomorpha |
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Body Shape |
Uniform diameter from front to back |
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Color |
Varies from whitish to yellow/tan to brown/black |
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Appearance in Nature |
Found singly or in knotted masses |
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Habitat |
Water sources like ponds, rain puddles, swimming pools, animal drinking troughs, and domestic water supplies |
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Adult Stage |
Free-living and non-parasitic |
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Immature Stage |
Internal parasites of insects like grasshoppers, crickets, cockroaches, beetles, millipedes, and centipedes |
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Effect on Humans and Animals |
Not parasitic to humans, livestock, or pets; pose no public health threat |
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Ecological Role |
Beneficial; helps control populations of certain insects |
ALSO READ- https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/steinernema-adamsi
Source: Etvbharat
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Which of the following statements about Horsehair worms (Nematomorpha) is/are correct?
Select the correct answer using the code below: A. 1 and 2 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 1 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3 Answer: B Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect: Horsehair worms are not parasitic to humans or pets. Statement 2 is correct: The immature stages are internal parasites of insects like crickets and cockroaches. Statement 3 is correct: Adult worms are free-living and beneficial in controlling insect populations. |
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