3D morphology of nematode encapsulation in snail shells, revealed by micro-CT imaging

Abstract Many parasites and hosts are embroiled in an on-going arms race that affects the evolution of each participant. One such battle is between parasitic nematodes terrestrial gastropods which have co-evolved for 90–130 MY. Recently, snails been shown to encase kill invading using their shell as a defence mechanism. However, there remarkably little known about this process terms understanding where, when how fixed within shell. Also has never any attempt observe methods other than light microscopy. Therefore, we used micro CT scanning Cepaea nemoralis (a common host nematodes) 3D visualise encased nematode quantify morphological parameters. By taking approach future studies could use fossil shells conchology collections understand nematode/snail co-evolution.