The effect of the acanthocephalan parasite (Pomphorhynchus laevis) on the drift of its intermediate host (Gammarus pulex)

SUMMARY 1. The drift of Gammarus pulex in a population in which approximately 20% of adults are infected with the acanthocephalan parasite Pomphorhynchus laevis was monitored at margin and mid‐river sites in the River Teme, England over a 24‐h period in mid‐summer. 2. Drift densities showed a diurnal pattern with a large increase at night, independent of parasite burden. 3. There was no significant effect of site (margin or mid‐river) on the proportion of parasitized and unparasitized G. pulex found in the drift or the benthos. 4. The drift of parasitized G. pulex was significantly greater than unparasitized animals. Gammarids harbouring only one parasite were found in significantly higher proportions in the drift than those with two or more parasites. 5. At both sites (margin and mid‐river) the proportion of unparasitized adult G. pulex in the drift was significantly lower than that in the benthos. However, there was a significantly higher proportion of parasitized animals in the drift than in the benthos.