Howdy from Texas!

[Bodisky]

Hey! My name is Kerry and I've been keeping T's since 1995. I am a retired microbiologist/researcher/grant writer. I am a founding member of the Research Institute for Exotic Species, a lab now absorbed by another lab. We were the first to document and microscopically photograph the nematode infestation disease in tarantulas. We had assistance from the USDA on nematode ID but it was not definite. I believe now the nematodes have been identified although I have not read the current research. I still spend a little time on my scopes but now I just enjoy spending my time with my T's, parrots, dogs, donkeys and managing a website for a local animal shelter. I don't usually join hobby lists but I'm going to give this one a shot. I like the format and the people.

 

[Cor]

Welcome to the forums! There are a lot of good people here. I'm sure you'll fit right in.

 

[Enn49]

Hello and welcome. We really are a friendly bunch here.

 

[Lawrence b]

Welcome to the forum .

 

[Lentulus]

Welcome! It’s a nice place, full of individuals of dubious origins and few learned folk sprinkled in. Amazing photo albums!

 

[sunset]

Welcome!! It's great to have someone with such a great background join the forum. We are always happy to have new folks join as there is always so much to learn from one another!!

 

[Bodisky]

So true. I'm in my 60's and still learning every day.

 

[arachbiodude]

Hi, that is great. I studied parasitology also. Mostly marine parasitology of fish including sharks.

 

[Casey K.]

Hello there and welcome to Tarantula Forum! I love your background. You will fit right in! I'm sure you would be a great source for someone with questions about tarantulas!

 

[Oursapoil]

Welcome to the forum/family Kerry!

 

[Nurse Ratchet]

Pleased to have you here. Welcome!

 

[Starlightkitsune]

Welcome to the forum! You have an interesting background and I look forward to your posts here!

 

[m0lsx]

Hello & welcome to the forum.

 

[Yvonne G]

Welcome to theForum, Kerry!

 

[Arachnoclown]

 

[Bodisky]

Hi, that is great. I studied parasitology also. Mostly marine parasitology of fish including sharks.

Very interesting! I know some marine parasites are symbiotic. It is interesting to note that some scientists have observed and/or collected tarantulas living with nematodes in a symbiotic relationship. Although, the biological interaction mutualistic, commensalistic, or parasitic is unknown. At least to the extent of my readings, it is still unknown. However, I do know that nematode infestation in a captive tarantula is unfortunately fatal. I see you mentioned fish, have you observed parasites in crabs?

 

[mrsoul1974]

Welcome! So happy to have you on board!

 

[Noodlelove]

Hey! My name is Kerry and I've been keeping T's since 1995. I am a retired microbiologist/researcher/grant writer. I am a founding member of the Research Institute for Exotic Species, a lab now absorbed by another lab. We were the first to document and microscopically photograph the nematode infestation disease in tarantulas. We had assistance from the USDA on nematode ID but it was not definite. I believe now the nematodes have been identified although I have not read the current research. I still spend a little time on my scopes but now I just enjoy spending my time with my T's, parrots, dogs, donkeys and managing a website for a local animal shelter. I don't usually join hobby lists but I'm going to give this one a shot. I like the format and the people.

Nice to meet you. Your experience is a really cool thing. I'm happy you're here

 

[shelbi8119]

Welcome to the forum!

 

[arachbiodude]

Very interesting! I know some marine parasites are symbiotic. It is interesting to note that some scientists have observed and/or collected tarantulas living with nematodes in a symbiotic relationship. Although, the biological interaction mutualistic, commensalistic, or parasitic is unknown. At least to the extent of my readings, it is still unknown. However, I do know that nematode infestation in a captive tarantula is unfortunately fatal. I see you mentioned fish, have you observed parasites in crabs?

Yes, you find the metacercaria of some digenes in crabs and you may also find the metacestodes of tapeworms. I think acanthocephala also utilize the crustaceans. Copepods are intermediate host of many marine digenes and cestodes. I also have seen the larval nematodes of marine mammals in scallops. I don't know the life cycle of the tarantula nematode. Is it a soil nematode and opportunistic pathogen of tarantulas. I guess it has to get in insects at a life cycle stage.