Anhydrobiosis in the infective juveniles of Trichostrongylus colubriformis (Nematoda: Trichostrongylidae)

The infective juveniles of Trichostrongylus colubriformis can survive exposure to 0% relative humidity after desiccation at higher relative humidities. During rehydration there is a lag phase before recovery. The infective juveniles are thus capable of anhydrobiosis. Removal of the sheath does not affect desiccation survival but does affect the duration of the lag phase. Morphological changes during the lag phase are described. The appearance of birefringence in the muscle cells during the anomalous shrinkage which occurs during the lag phase is considered to reflect physiological changes necessary for the recovery of normal muscle function.