Four New Trematodes from Reptiles

Abstract

Description: Protenes. Body elongated, flattened, 2.88 to 4.03 mm. in length by 0.4 to 0.53 mm. in width. Cuticula beset with small spines anterior to ovary. Acetabulum o.I mm. in diameter at posterior end of anterior body fourth. Oral sucker subterminal, o.I by 0.13 mm.; prepharynx I5 to 45 1~ long; pharynx 66 by 99 u, divided into elongated quadrants; esophagus o.I6 to 0.2 mm.; intestinal crura terminate posterior to testes. Testes, o.I8 by 0.23 mm., lie in tandem in posterior body fourth; cirrus sac extends from posterior dorsal margin of acetabulum to genital pore on dorsal surface near left lateral margin of body just posterior to crural bifurcation. It passes ventral to left crus and contains a straight seminal vesicle, pars prostatica, ductus ejaculatorius and a protrusible cirrus. Ovary, O.I by 0.14 mm., medianly located in posterior part of first body third. Mehlis' gland posterior to ovary; Laurer's canal present; seminal receptacle lacking; vitelline reservoir present. Vitellaria arranged in from seven to nine follicular groups which extend from ovary to or posterior to the anterior testis. Left field of vitellaria more extensive than right, extending in some specimens posterior to both testes. Uterus intercrural, descending coils on right distinct from ascending coils on left side of body; coils do not extend posterior to anterior margin of anterior testis. Metraterm 0.19 mm. long. Eggs average 22 by 40 o. Excretory bladder dorsal; extends from posterior tip of body to Mehlis' gland, where it bifurcates. The rami terminate immediately posterior to acetabulum. Host: Pseudemys elegans. Location: Small intestine. Distribution: North America (United States, Baton Rouge, Louisiana). Type Specimens: Ward Helminthological Collection, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois. Accession numbers 33.77, 33.78, and 33.79.