Two additional Hepatozoon species (Apicomplexa: Hepatozoidae) from the southern black racer, Coluber constrictor priapus (Serpentes: Colubridae), in northern Florida

Hepatozoon priapus n. sp. from Coluber constrictor priapus has robust gamonts with broadly rounded ends, 18.0 x 4.2 microm (17.0-20.0 x 3.5-6.0), with LW 76.4 microm2 (59-105) and L/W 4.31 (2.9-5.4). The nucleus is always present in second quarter of gamont, seldom extend into first quarter but often into third quarter, 6.0 x 3.0 (5.0-7.0 x 2.5-4.0), with LW 17.9 (13.7-21.0). Erythrocyte cytoplasm is always thin, appearing dehemoglobinized, with infected cells always distorted. Infected erythrocytes are much longer and wider than uninfected cells, with longer nuclei. Oocysts are spherical to ovoid, 92.5 x 86.0 (55-123 x 47-115) and L/W 1.08 (1.0-1.3), contain 14.0 (6-31) sporocysts. Sporocysts, which are also spherical to ovoid, 26.3 x 23.3 (19-50 x 16-38), LW 641.2 (320-1,500) and L/W 1.13 (1.0-2.2), contain 12.6 (5-18) sporozoites. Hepatozoon confusus n. sp., also from C. constrictor priapus, has slender gamonts with rounded ends, 15.6 x 4.1 (14.0-17.0 x 3.5-5.0), with LW 64.3 (52-80) and L/W 3.82 (2.8-4.4). The nucleus is always present in second quarter of gamont, commonly extending into first and third quarters, 5.0 x 2.7 (2.5-4.4 x 4.0-6.0), with LW 13.5 (11.0-16.5). Erythrocyte cytoplasm is sometimes thin, appearing partially dehemoglobinized, with infected cells usually distorted. Infected erythrocytes are longer than uninfected cells but similar in width, with erythrocyte nuclei longer. Oocysts are spherical to ovoid, 115.5 x 108.9 (52-278 x 50-278), with L/W 1.06 (1.0-1.2), and contain 25.0 (7-111) sporocysts. Sporocysts are spherical to ovoid, 27.6 x 25.2 (21-38 x 20-33), LW 701.3 (420-1,125) and L/W 1.09 (1.0-1.4), containing 20.2 (12-32) sporozoites.     

Hepatozoon species of the timber rattlesnake in northern Florida: description of a new species, evidence of salivary gland oocysts, and a natural cross-familial transmission of an Hepatozoon species

Two species of Hepatozoon, i.e., H. sauritus and H. horridus n. sp., were present in 1 of 8 timber rattlesnakes, Crotalus horridus. The narrow gamonts of H. sauritus are 15.0-19.0 x 3.5-5.0 microm, with LW 58-86 microm2 and L/W 3.2-4.7, with a narrow, rounded anterior end. The spherical to slightly ovoid oocysts produce ovoid to elongate sporocysts, 21-43 x 12-24 microm, L/W 1.20-2.7, containing on average 22.1 (10-34) sporozoites. This is the first report of a natural cross-familial transfer of a Hepatozoon species. Gamonts of H. horridus n. sp. are 13.0-17.0 x 4.0-6.0 microm, with LW 63-102 microm2 and L/W 2.6-4.0, and have broadly rounded ends. The gamont cytoplasm is vacuolated. The spherical to ovoid oocysts form spherical to elongate sporocysts 14-45 x 11-25 microm, L/W 1.0-2.3, producing an average of 13.0 (8-21) sporozoites. The salivary gland in 1 of 5 mosquitoes dissected contained 1 mature oocyst.     

Rediscovery and redescription of Plasmodium pifanoi and description of two additional Plasmodium parasites of Venezuelan lizards

Plasmodium pifanoi Scorza and Dagert B., known only from the type host, Ameiva ameiva, is redescribed from Kentropyx calcarata collected in Territorio Amazonas, Venezuela. Schizonts, 6.2 x 4.5 (4-8 x 3-6), produce on average 11.9 (7-16) merozoites. Gametocytes average 12.4 x 6.0 (8-16 x 4-10), with length x width (LW) 72.9 (52-112) and L/W 2.18 (1.1-3.3), and always contain 1-5 prominent vacuoles. Macrogametocytes in active infection are longer than microgametocytes, with greater LW, but gametocytes in chronic infection are not sexually dimorphic in dimension and are slightly smaller. Two additional malarial parasites are described from K. calcarata. Plasmodium lepidoptiformis has small schizonts, 4.6 x 3.2 (3-6 x 2.5-3), that produce 5.1 (4-8) merozoites and commonly resemble a butterfly in appearance. Gametocytes are elongate, 9.0 x 4.3 (7-10 x 3-6), with LW 38.3 (24-51) and L/W 2.2 (1.3-3.3), and sexually dimorphic, with macrogametocytes longer than microgametocytes, with greater LW. Plasmodium minasense calcaratae is characterized by very small, usually fan-shaped, schizonts. 3.4 x 2.6 (2.5-4.5 x 2.0-3.0), that produce 3.9 (3-4) merozoites. Gametocytes are spherical or ovoid, 6.7 x 5.0 (4.5-9.0 x 3.0-7.0), with LW 33.7 (15-54) and L/W 1.4 (1.0-2.3), with no sexual dimorphism in dimensions.     

Two Plasmodium species of the crocodile skink Tribolonotus gracilis from Irian Jaya, Indonesia

Two undescribed Plasmodium species were present in 1 of 8 New Guinea skinks, Tribolonotus gracilis. Plasmodium tribolonoti n. sp. is characterized by rounded or oblong schizonts 6.1 x 5.3 microm (5-7 x 4-7) that produce on average 14.3 merozoites (10-21), in no particular arrangement of nuclei. All parasitized proerythrocytes and had no effect upon dimensions of host cells or their nuclei. Gametocytes, mostly erythrocytic, averaged 7.2 x 6.3 (6.5-9.0 x 5.5-7.5), with length x width (LW) 45.5 microm2 (38-63) and L/W 1.15 (1.0-1.5). Gametocytes are not sexually dimorphic in size or shape and had no effect upon dimensions of host erythrocytes or their nuclei. Schizonts of P. gracilis n. sp. averaged 4.3 x 3.5 (3-6 x 3-5), with 4.9 merozoites (3-8) usually arranged as a fan, and had no effect upon dimensions of host erythrocytes or their nuclei. Gametocytes averaged 5.9 x 5.5 (5.0-6.6 x 5.0-6.0), with LW 31.9 microm2 (25-40) and L/W 1.06 (1.0-1.2). Gametocytes are not sexually dimorphic in size or shape and had no effect upon dimensions of host erythrocytes or their nuclei.     

A Haemocystidium species from the East African gecko Lygodactylus capensis grotei

Haemocystidium lygodactyli n. sp. parasitizes Lygodactylus capensis grotei (Gekkonidae) in Tanzania. Mature gametocytes in acute phase of infection average 16.3 x 5.7 microm (11-20 x 4-9.5 microm), with LW 93.0 (62-140 microm2) and L/W ratio 2.94 (1.2-3.9). Gametocytes usually lateral, lateropolar, or halteridial in position. There was no significant sexual dimorphism in gametocyte dimensions. Nuclei discrete in both sexes at maturity, with a rounded nucleolus usually present in microgametocytes. In chronic infection, gametocytes were 18.1 x 8.7 microm (8-25 x 5-11 microm), with LW 156.8 microm2 (80-250) and L/W 2.16 (1.1-3.6). When gametocytes from the chronic infection were compared with the same sex in acute infection, length did not differ, but differences were present between the same sex in each comparison of width, LW, and L/W. Macrogametocytes and microgametocytes in chronic phase were broader, larger, and less elongate and most commonly halteridial. Meronts were found only in endothelium and connective tissue of lung. Elongate to oval in shape, the larger meronts filled with nuclei were 12.2 x 6.9 microm (10.0 x 5.0-16.0 x 9.0), with LW 50-144 microm2 (85.1). In 1 initial infection followed for 49 days, apparently mature gametocytes appeared by day 28 postcapture. Binucleate parasites were present from day 14 throughout the course of infection, with their frequency increasing from 5% of immature parasites to 34% of mature gametocytes. Binucleate mature gametocytes were found in 1 other infection, where 14% had 2 nuclei. Sex ratio varied from 51 to 63% in favor of macrogametocytes.     

Hepatozoon species (Apicomplexa: Hepatozoidae) of the corn snake,Elaphe guttata (Serpentes: Colubridae) and the pigmy rattlesnake,Sistrurus miliarius barbouri (Serpentes: Viperidae) in south Florida

Hepatozoon guttata n. sp. is described from the corn snake (Elaphe guttata guttata) from south Florida. Gamonts average 14.6 x 4.6 (13-17 x 3.5-6) and are not recurved, with nucleus situated in the second quarter of the gamont. Erythrocyte cytoplasm rarely appears partially dehemoglobinized. The infected cells are usually distorted and are longer than the uninfected erythrocytes but do not differ in width; nuclei are smaller in length and width than those of uninfected cells. Sporogony in Aedes aegypti occurs within the head and the thorax but rarely in the abdomen. Oocysts are spherical to usually ovoid, 87.2 x 75.9 (45-155 x 40-152.5) and contain on average 7.1 (2-32) sporocysts. Sporocysts are spherical to ovoid, 34.8 x 31.0 (20-55 x 17.5-47.5), with 45.7 (14-89) sporozoites contained within. The pigmy rattlesnake (Sistrurus miliarius barbouri) in south Florida is parasitized by H. sistruri n. sp. Gamonts average 14.1 x 5.6 (12.6-15.8 x 4.7-6.3) in breadth and are not recurved, with the nucleus always situated in the second quarter of the gamont commonly at the midbody. Erythrocyte cytoplasm is not dehemoglobinized. The infected cells are always distorted and similar in length to the uninfected cells but with greater width and enlarged nuclei. Sporogony in A. aegypti occurs within head, thorax, and abdomen. Oocysts are spherical to usually ovoid, 163.6 x 154.7 (92-245 x 82-240) and contain 27.4 (12-42) sporocysts. Sporocysts are round to usually ovoid, 39.7 x 33.5 (25-50 x 20-50), with 45.7 (19-70) sporozoites.     

Redescription of Haemoproteus mesnili (Apicomplexa: Plasmodiidae) and its meronts, with description of a second haemosporidian parasite of African cobras

Haemoproteus mesnili (Bouet 1909) Wenyon 1926 is redescribed from the spitting cobra, Naja nigricollis nigricollis, of Tanzania. Mature gametocytes in the acute phase of infection averaged 17.7 X 7.3 jim, with LW 128.1 jim-, and L:W ratio 2.52. Nuclei were visible in both sexes. Both sexes were heavily pigmented, with 31-62 black granules dispersed in macrogametocytes; 20-46 granules were often clumped or concentrated near ends of microgametocytes. The halteridial form was present in 28% of active-phase gametocytes, but in only 8% of those in chronic phase. A few large, possibly first generation, meronts were present in cardiac muscle; uninucleate parasites within parasitophorous vacuoles in splenic cells produced small rounded or ovoid meronts, 12.2 x 9.6 microm, with 12-16 deeply basophilic, square-to-rectangular cytomeres. Meronts with 17-32 cytomeres were 16.9 x 11.9 microm. Meronts, 20 x 16 to 26 x 22 microm, contained 51-57 cytomeres. Mature meronts were ovoid, 13.7 x 11.5 microm, with many rounded merozoites. Haemoproteus balli n. sp, found in an Egyptian cobra, Naja haje haje of Kenya, differs from H. mesnili in average gametocyte dimensions, 10.8 x 7.7 microm; LW, 83.2 microm2; L/W ratio, 1.42; absence of halteridial forms; sparse pigmentation (3-10 granules); and presence of a broad peripheral band, apparently chromatin, along one side of microgametocytes.     

The status of Haemogregarina mansoni Sambon and Seligmann from Zamenis flagelliformis Laurenti

Haemogregarina mansoni Sambon and Seligmann 1907, a parasite of the coachwhip snake (Masticophis flagellum) is redescribed on the basis of sporogonic stages obtained in the experimental vector Aedes aegypti and designated as Hepatozoon mansoni from hosts collected in north Florida. Gamonts average 14.7 x 4.7 (13-16 x 4-6) and are not recurved, with nuclei situated in the second quarter of the gamont. Erythrocyte cytoplasm is often thin, appearing partially dehemoglobinized, or contracted into a central mass with infected erythrocytes always distorted, longer, and more slender than uninfected cells. Sporogony occurred within the head and thorax of A. aegypti. Oocysts were spherical to ovoid, 144.2 x 126.1 (79-198 x 69-178), containing on average 29.2 (7-64) sporocysts. Sporocysts were spherical to ovoid, 33.1 x 29.8 (19-48 x 18-44), with 20.2 (12-32) sporozoites contained within. Experimental infection in Tantilla relicta produced gamonts that did not differ from those in M. flagellum, but dehemoglobinization and cytoplasmic contraction of the host erythrocyte did not occur, and persistent merogonic stages were not present in the tissues.     

Eimeria lepidosirenis n.sp. (Apicomplexa:Eimeriidae) of the South American lungfish Lepidosiren paradoxa (Osteichthyes:Dipnoi) from Amazonian Brazil

The mature oocysts of Eimeria lepidosirenis n.sp. are described in faeces removed from the lower region of the intestine of a single specimen of the South American lungfish Lepidosiren paradoxa, from Belém, state of Pará, Amazonian Brazil. Oocysts with endogenous sporulation: spherical to slightly subspherical, 30.8 x 30.3 microm (28.1 x 25.9 -33.3 x 31.8), shape-index (ratio length/width) 1.0, n = 25. Oocyst wall a very thin, single layer approximately 0.74 microm thick, smooth, colourless, with no micropyle and rapidly breaking down to release the sporocysts. Oocyst residuum a bulky ovoid to spherical mass of approximately 20.0 x 15 microm, composed of fine granules and larger globules and enclosed by a very fine membrane: no polar bodies seen. Sporocysts 15.5 x 9.0 microm (14.5 x 8.0 16.0 x 9.0), shape index 1.7 (1.6-1.8), n = 30, ovoid, with one extremity rather pointed and with a very delicate Stieda body but no sub-Stieda body: sporocyst wall a single extremely thin layer with no valves. Sporocyst residuum a spherical to ovoid mass of approximately 5.0 x 4.0 microm, composed of fine granules and small globules and enclosed by a very fine membrane. Sporozoites strongly recurved at their ends and apparently with only a single refractile body. Site of development in the host uncertain: no evidence of endogenous stages was found in fresh scrapings and stained smears of the intestinal epithelium.     

Descriptions of six new species of Caryospora (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from Guatemalan snakes (Serpentes: Colubridae and Viperidae)

One hundred and seventy snakes were collected in Guatemala and examined for coccidia. Of these, 8 individuals representing 6 host species were positive for Caryospora spp., 6 of which are described as new species. Sporulated oocysts of Caryospora bothriechis n. sp. from Bothriechis aurifer are spheroidal to subspheroidal, 12.7 x 12.5 (12-14 x 12-13) microm, with a length/width (L/W) ratio of 1.0; they lack a micropyle (M) or oocyst residuum (OR), but 1 large polar granule (PG) is usually present. Sporocysts are ovoidal, 9.0-7.5 (8-10 x 7-8) microm, and have a L/W ratio of 1.2, and a Stieda body (SB) and sporocyst residuum (SR). Oocysts of Caryospora coniophanis n. sp. from Coniophanes imperialis are spheroidal to subspheroidal, 18.8 x 18.1 (17-20.5 x 16-20) microm, with a L/W ratio of 1.0; they lack a M and OR, but 1 large PG is usually present. Sporocysts are ovoidal, 13.2 x 9.4 (12-15 x 8-10) microm with a L/W ratio of 1.4, and a SB, substieda body (SSB), and SR. Oocysts of Caryospora conophae n. sp. from Conophis lineatus are spheroid to subspheroidal, 20.4 x 19.5 (17-26 x 17-25) microm, with a L/W ratio of 1.0; they lack a M and OR, but 1 large PG is usually present. Sporocysts are ovoidal, 13.1 x 9.8 (11-15 x 8-11) microm with a L/W ratio of 1.3 and a SB, SSB, and SR. Oocysts of Caryospora guatemalensis n. sp. from Lampropeltis triangulum are spheroidal to subspheroidal, 23.9 x 23.2 (20-27 x 20-26) microm, with a L/W ratio of 1.0; they lack a M and OR, but 1 large PG is usually present. Sporocysts are ovoidal, 14.4 x 10.6 (13-18 x 9-13) microm, with a L/W ratio of 1.4 and a SB, SSB, and SR. Oocysts of Caryospora mayorum n. sp. from Conophis lineatus are spheroidal to subspheroidal, 25.6 x 24.4 (24-27 x 24-25) microm, with a L/W ratio of 1.0; they lack a M and OR, but 1 large PG is usually present. Sporocysts are ovoidal, 16.3 x 11.9 (16-18 x 11-13) microm, with a L/W ratio of 1.4 and a SB, SSB, and SR. Oocysts of Caryospora zacapensis n. sp. from Masticophis mentovarius are spheroidal to subspheroidal, 22.5 x 21.8 (19-25 x 18-25) microm, with a L/W ratio of 1.0; they lack a M and OR, but 1 large PG is usually present. Sporocysts are ovoidal, 14.6 x 11.4 (11-16 x 10-13) microm, with a L/W ratio of 1.3 and a SB, SSB, and SR.     

Species of coccidia (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) in shrews from Alaska, U.S.A., and northeastern Siberia, Russia, with description of two new species

Fecal samples (n = 636) from 10 species of shrews collected in Alaska (n = 540) and northeastern Siberia (n = 96) were examined for the presence of coccidia (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae). Five distinct oocyst morphotypes were observed. Three types were consistent with oocysts of previously recognized coccidia species from other shrew hosts. These were Eimeria inyoni, E. vagrantis, and Isospora brevicauda, originally described from the inyo shrew (Sorex tenellus), dusky shrew (S. monticolus), and northern short-tailed shrew (Blarina brevicauda), respectively. We found 5 new host records for E. inyoni, 3 for E. vagrantis, and 3 for I. brevicauda. The 2 additional oocyst morphotypes, both from the tundra shrew (Sorex tundrensis), are putative new species. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria beringiacea n. sp. are subspheroidal, 17.7 x 15.6 microm (14-24 x 13-20 microm) with a length (L)/width (W) ratio of 1.1 (1.0-1.4); these lack a micropyle (M), an oocyst residuum (OR), and a polar granule (PG). Sporocysts are ellipsoidal, 10.3 x 6.1 microm (7-14 x 4-8 microm), with a L/W ratio of 1.7 (1.3-2.3) and have a Stieda body (SB), Substieda body (SSB), and sporocyst residuum (SR). Oocysts of Eimeria tundraensis n. sp. are spheroidal to subspheroidal, 24.8 x 23.5 microm (23-26 x 22-25 microm), with a L/W ratio of 1.1 (1.0-1.2); these lack a M and OR, but a single PG is present. Sporocysts are elongate ellipsoidal, 15.4 x 8.3 microm (13-17 x 7-9 microm), with a L/W ratio of 1.9 (1.4-2.1) and have a SB, SSB, and SR.     

Eimeria curvata n. sp.(Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) in Columbina talpacoti and Scardafella squammata (Aves: Columbidae) from Brazil

Eimeria curvata is a new coccidian described in the doves Columbina talpacoti and Scardafella squammata from western of the State of S?o Paulo, Brazil. The oocysts are ovoid to ellipsoid, 18.3 (17-19) microm x 15.5 (15-17) microm, with a shape index of 1.2 (1.1-1.3). The wall is colorless, smooth and double-layered. A polar granule is present, but there is no micropyle or oocyst residuum. The sporocysts are elongate, 12.3 (11.5-13) microm x 5.8 (5.5-6) microm with a curved anterior portion and a smooth, thin, single-layered wall. The Stieda body is protuberant and nipple-like; there is no substieda body. The sporozoites lie head-to-tail in the sporocyst and contain a large refractile body at the extremities. The sporocyst residuum contains small granules uniformly distributed in the middle of the sporocyst. The prevalence of E. curvata n. sp. was 17.4% and 12.8% in C. talpacoti and S. squammata, respectively.     

Eimeria clethrionomysis sp. n., Eimeria gallatii sp. n., Eimeria pileata sp. n. and Eimeria marconii sp. n. from the red-backed vole Clethrionomys gapperi Vigors, from Pennsylvania.

Four new eimerian species are described from red-backed voles, Clethrionomys gapperi in Pennsylvania. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria clethrionomyis sp. n. are ellipsoidal, 18.8 (16.5-21.5) x 14.9 (14.0-16.5) with elongate, ovoid sporocysts, 10.6 (9.5-12.0) x6.1 (5.5-7.0). The oocyst wall is smooth, with 2 layers, and thins, with terminal cap at one or both ends. Polar granules, dark Stieda body and sporocyst residuum are present. The oocyst residuum is absent. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria gallatii sp. n. are ellipsoidal, 27.7 (21-32) x 19.3 (17-24) with ovoid sporocysts, 13.5 (12-15) x 8.8 (8-10). The oocyst wall is smooth, 2-layered, with a micropyle and thin wall at the end opposite the micropyle. Polar granules, Stieda body and sporocyst residuum are present. The oocyst residuum is atypical, of cobwebby material. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria pileata sp. n. are subspherical to spherical, 25.2 (20.5-29.5) x 22.5 (19.5-25.5) with ellipsoidal sporocysts, 13.4(10.5-15.0) x 8.4 (7.5-9.5). The oocyst wall is rough, pitted, striated, 2-layered, with no micropyle. Polar granules, oocyst and sporocyst residuum, Stieda body and stiedal cap are present. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria marconii sp. n. are ellipsoidal, 13.0 (10.5-15-0) x 10.6 (9.5-12.0) with elongate, ovoid sporocysts, 7.7 (7.0-8.5) x 4.2 (3.0-4.5). The oocyst wall is smooth, single-layered, with no micropyle. Polar granules, dark Stiedal body and sporocyst residuum are present. There is no oocyst residuum.     

A new Haemocystidium (Apicomplexa: Plasmodiidae) species of the dhub lizard, Uromastyx aegyptia microlepis , in Abu Dhabi, distinguished by the absence of pigment

The spiny-tailed lizard, Uromastyx aegyptia microlepis , in Abu Dhabi is parasitized by Haemocystidium apigmentada n. sp., and 2 species of Hepatozoon . The elongate gametocytes of H. apigmentada are 13-19 × 6-9 μm, with length × width (LW) 90-133 μm(2), and L/W ratio 1.56-3.17. Gametocyte dimensions do not differ by sex. Gametocytes are unpigmented. Hepatozoon species 1 has gamonts with a consistently terminal nucleus, with dimensions of 13-16 × 4.5-7 μm, LW of 58-104 μm(2), and L/W ratio of 2.00-3.22. Hepatozoon species 2 gamonts have a broad nucleus at the midbody, and dimensions of 13-15.5 × 5-7 μm, LW of 71-109 μm(2), and L/W ratio of 1.93-3.00.     

Eimeria saudiensis n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx) in Saudi Arabia

Oocysts of Eimeria saudiensis n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) are described from the feces of the Arabian oryx, Oryx leucoryx, from the Riyadh Zoo, Saudi Arabia. The oocysts were ellipsoidal or slightly ovoid, 31.2 x 24.5 (24.3-36.5 x 20.0-27.6) micron with a bilayered wall about 1.7 micron thick. The micropyle was covered by a dome-shaped cap. The oocyst residuum was absent, but tiny polar granules were present. The sporocysts were elongate ovoid, 14.3 x 7.2 (11.5-18.5 x 6.0-9.0) micron, had a Stieda body, but lacked a substiedal body. The sporocyst residuum was present, composed of numerous small granules. The sporozoites were elongate club-shaped, and contained two prominent refractile bodies.     

Six new Eimeria species from vespertilionid bats of North America.

Twenty species of bats (Molossidae, Vespertilionidae) were collected from California, New Mexico, Oregon, South Carolina, Utah, and Baja California Norte (Mexico), and 29 of 404 (7%) animals, including Antrozous pallidus, Eptesicus fuscus, Myotis auriculus, Myotis californicus, Myotis ciliolabrum, Myotis evotis, Myotis lucifugus, Myotis thysanodes, Myotis vivesi, Myotis volans, Myotis yumanensis, and Nycticeius humeralis were infected with Eimeria spp., which represent 6 new species. Sporulated oocysts of a new species from A. pallidus are subspheroidal, 24.8 x 21.6 (22-27 x 19-24) microm with a polar granule and a large globular residuum. The oocyst wall is sculptured, with 2 layers, approximately 1.5 thick. Ovoidal sporocysts are 11.5 x 7.8 (9-13 x 7-10) microm, with Stieda body and residuum of many large granules. Sporulated oocysts of a new species from M. californicus are subspheroidal, 20.7 x 18.2 (19-23 x 16-20) microm, with 1-7 tiny polar granules, but without oocyst residuum. The oocyst wall is rough, with 2 layers, approximately 1.4 thick. Ovoidal sporocysts are 11.2 x 7.3 (10-12 x 7-8) microm, with Stieda body and a globular residuum. Sporulated oocysts of a second new species from M. californicus are subspheroidal, 23.1 x 20.7 (20-26 x 19-23) microm, with residuum and 1 polar granule, but a micropyle is absent. The oocyst wall is rough with 2 layers, approximately 1.5 thick. Ovoidal sporocysts are 12.5 x 7.2 (11-14 x 7-8) microm, with a Stieda body and residuum. Sporulated oocysts of a new species from M. ciliolabrum are subspheroidal, 24.9 x 20.1 (18-27 x 17-23) microm, with 1-2 polar granules, but without micropyle and residuum. The oocyst wall is rough with 2 layers, approximately 1.5 thick. Ellipsoidal sporocysts are 12.5 x 9.0 (8-14 x 7-10) microm, with Stieda and substieda bodies and residuum. Sporulated oocysts of a new species from M. evotis are subspheroidal, 21.3 x 18.6 (20-24 x 15-20) microm, with a prominent polar granule, but without micropyle and residuum. The oocyst wall is smooth with 2 layers, approximately 1.0 thick. Ovoidal sporocysts are 12.2 x 8.0 (11-13 x 7.5-9) microm, with Stieda and substieda bodies and residuum. Sporulated oocysts of the new species from N. humeralis are subspheroidal, 22.4 x 18 (21-24 x 17-20) microm, with 1-3 polar granules, but residuum and micropyle are absent. The oocyst wall is lightly sculptured with 2 layers, approximately 1.4 thick. Ovoidal sporocysts are 10.9 x 7.7 (9-12 x 6-8) microm, with Stieda body and residuum. Sporulated oocysts of E. pilarensis Scott and Duszynski, 1997 and those of at least 12 other morphological forms were seen in the other infected bats; these latter forms were seen in too few numbers to be adequately described as new species.     

Eimeria cryptotis n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the least shrew, Cryptotis parva (Insectivora: Soricidae), in north-central Texas

From March through November 1987, 14 least shrews, Cryptotis parva (Say), were collected in portions of north-central Texas and examined for coccidian parasites; only 1 (7.1%) was found to be passing oocysts. Eimeria cryptotis n. sp. is described herein as new and represents the only coccidian reported thus far from C. parva. Sporulated oocysts are subspherical, 16.4 x 15.3 (14-18 x 13-17) microns; shape index 1.1 (1.0-1.2) microns. A micropyle and oocyst residuum are absent, but a polar granule is present. The sporocysts are ovoid, 10.6 x 7.0 (9-11 x 6-8) microns; shape index 1.5 (1.4-1.8) microns. Stieda and substieda bodies and a sporocyst residuum are present. The sporozoites are elongate and only 2 could be observed well enough to measure (11.2 x 2.4 and 8.8 x 2.4 microns) because they are normally obscured by the sporocyst residuum. Sporozoites lack refractile bodies and contain a centrally located nucleus. The new species can be distinguished from the majority of insectivore coccidia on the basis of oocyst size.