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The growth of the three free-living stages ofN. dubiuswas measured in terms of dry and fresh weight. Changes in body water content during moulting were demonstrated by variations in dry weight when expressed as a percentage of fresh weight. The respiration rate of the larvae increased until they became infective, after which time it decreased until five days later no oxygen consumption could be recorded. The inability of all larval stages to withstand anaerobic conditions indicated that their metabolism was essentially aerobic. The relationship between body size and metabolic rate was established for each stage and its significance in relation to the life-cycle discussed.

The growth of male and female parasitic stages ofNematospiroides dubiusfrom male and female ASH/CS1 mice was measured in terms of dry weight. No sex-linked resistance of mice to infection withN. dubiuswas apparent, as growth was the same in both sexes of host. The growth rate did not alter when moulting occurred.All parasitic stages ofN. dubiusconsumed oxygenin vitroand oxygen was also shown to be necessary for motility and survival.The relationship between body size and metabolic rate was established for male and female parasiticN. dubiusand thebvalues indicated that aerobic metabolism is of functional importance to this species.The size/metabolism relationship for the whole life-cycle was established.