Gastropod intermediate hosts of Parelaphostrongylus tenuis (Nematoda: Metastrongyloidea) from northwestern Indiana.

Thirteen species of terrestrial gastropods from the Kingsbury State Fish and Wildlife Area, Indiana, were examined for the presence of third-stage larvae (L3s) of the meningeal worm, Parelaphostrongylus tenuis, during the summers of 1987 and 1988. Three (Deroceras laeve, Discus cronkhitei, and unidentified species of Cochlicopa [= Cionella]) were infected. Prevalence of infection was low, 1.1% and 2.7% in 1987 and 1988, respectively. The highest prevalence was 5.5% in Cochlicopa spp.; however, most of the larvae from this host were recently molted second-stage larvae (L2s). Attempts to identify foci of infection based on vegetation cover, soil pH, and replaceable calcium levels in the soil were unsuccessful. This is the first report of P. tenuis from Indiana.