ABSTRACT
The phylum Arthropoda constitutes the largest and most morphologically diverse group of animals. Despite the roles of arthropods in the ecosystem, the impact of parasites on terrestrial arthropods is under-explored. In this study, a survey was carried out on parasites found in terrestrial arthropods collected from University of Benin, Ugbowo Campus, Benin City. A total of 90 arthropods were examined and these belong to three distinct groups: Class Diplopoda (Spirostreptus assiniensis, Habrodesmus sp. and unidentified orange-striped millipede); Class Isopoda (Armadillidium vulgare) and Class Insecta (Zonocerus variegatus, Nicorphorini sp., and Altica sp.). 31 out of 90 arthropods were infected, giving a percentage infection of 34%. The percentage infection for S. assiniensis was 100, Zonocerus variegatus, 43, Habrodesmus sp., 72, Altica sp., 33, while Armadillidium vulgare, Nicorphorini sp., and unidentified orange-striped millipede were not infected. Protozoa and adult nematodes were isolated from the digestive tract of these arthropods. The protozoans, Gregarina sp. were found in Zonocerus variegatus and Altica sp. Rhabdiasid nematodes were found in S. assiniensis and Habrodesmus sp. An unidentified nematode also occurred in S. assiniensis. This study provides useful information for future studies into parasite prevalence within the University of Benin, Ugbowo campus, Benin City.
