Seasonal changes and overwintering of endoparasites in the bat (Myotis lucifugus) in a Southeastern Wisconsin hibernaculum

Abstract

Eight digenetic trematode species (Phylum Platyhelminthes, Subclass Digena), one cestode species (Phylum Platyhelminthes, Class Cestoidea) and three nematode species (Phylum Nematoda) were recovered from the little brown bat, Myotis lucifugus, at the Neda Mine hibernaculum in southeastern Wisconsin. Bats displayed a rich and diverse helminth fauna throughout the year. Statistically significant seasonal variation was observed for two digenetic trematodes. Mean intensities and prevalence of parasites were highest in autumn and spring and lowest in summer. Highest species diversity occurred in autumn. Greater intensity and prevalence in autumn and spring were correlated with bat swarming and emergence patterns, behavioral phenomena which would also produce a more heterogeneous assemblage of parasites during these times of year. Myotis lucifugus retained a large and varied population of parasites throughout eight months of hibernation.