Genomics on stringworms

Unknown invertebrates

Many groups of invertebrates are studied very little scientifically, so that there is a strong discrepancy between very intensively studied "model organisms" and poorly studied other groups. However, for comparative approaches, for example in phylogenetics, morphology or developmental biology, it is essential to have a good knowledge of all animal groups. In this project, we are focussing on the stringworms, a group of parasitic worms comprising around 360 species. Stringworms parasitise various arthropods, but also have a free-living phase in their life cycle. Five species are marine, all others are limnic/terrestrial. In the free-living phase, fertilisation of the eggs, egg development and early development of the larvae take place until they infect a host.

Unknown egg deposition

The project is mainly being carried out at the University of Jena under the direction of Prof Andreas Hejnol. The project partner at the LIB is Andreas Schmidt-Rhaesa, who has been studying nematodes (Nematomorpha) for many years. In joint collecting excursions, various species have been collected so far, in particular the marine species Nectonema munidae and the limnic species Gordionus violaceus and G. wolterstorffii. Among other things, it was discovered that G. violaceus lays ice strings on the underside of stones in forest streams. This was previously completely unknown.