Tracking North American amphipods which show signs of Acanthocephalan parasites.

These parasites are visible (as an orange spot) inside the cuticle of the organism and are in most cases placed in the genus Polymorphus. They can change both the behavior and the cuticle pigment color of their hosts!

I am interested in the taxonomic extent in which these infections occur. As far as I know, they have only been recorded in two taxa (Gammarus lacustris and Hyalella spp.), but there are likely others. This information will be of extreme use in understanding the biogeography and ecology of these organisms! less ↑