Polystoma nearcticum

These species are not in danger as far as conservation and biodiversity are concerned.

Ecosystem Impact: parasite

Species Used as Host:

• North American species of Hyla

Polystoma nearcticum feeds exclusively on its host organism's blood.

Polystoma nearcticum are found in the United States.

Biogeographic Regions: nearctic (Native )

The fluke lives in the urinary bladder of its host species, North American treefrogs in the genus Hyla, which breed primarily in ponds in the eastern United States. It also spends a considerable amount of its developmental period in the water. This species can survive in temperatures as low as 0-3 degrees Celsius.

Habitat Regions: temperate

Terrestrial Biomes: taiga ; forest

Aquatic Biomes: lakes and ponds

Other Physical Features: ectothermic ; bilateral symmetry

Polystoma nearcticum go through two stages of development, the bladder generation and the branchial generation. Adult bladder forms of Polystoma nearcticum begin to lay eggs at the same time the host (tree frog) becomes sexually active in the spring, and they are voided with its urine. Development of egg begins in the water. Once the larvae are fully developed, they hatch and enter the gill chambers of tadpoles, where they mature for 22 days. Then the larvae are washed from the gills through the spiracle and into the water. These free swimming larva enter the anus of the frog and head once again to the urinary bladder.

Parental Investment: no parental involvement