A new species of coccidian (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the prairie racerunner, Cnemidophorus sexlineatus viridis (Sauria: Teiidae), in Arkansas.

Feces from 26 prairie racerunners, Cnemidophorus sexlineatus viridis Lowe, 1966, from Arkansas, were examined for coccidian parasites. One of these was found to be infected with oocysts of an undescribed eimerian, which is described herein as new. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria sexlineatus n. sp. were cylindrical, 30.4 x 17.1 (28-32 x 16-19) microns, with a shape index (length/width) of 1.8 (1.6-2.0). A micropyle and oocyst residuum were absent but 1 (to several) polar granule(s) was present. Sporocysts were ellipsoidal, 10.7 x 8.5 (9.6-11.2 x 8.0-8.8) microns, with a shape index of 1.3 (1.2-1.4). A sporocyst residuum was present but Stieda, substieda, and parastieda bodies were absent. Sporozoites were elongate, 13.2 x 2.7 microns (12.0-14.4 x 2.4-3.2) in situ, containing a single, spherical posterior refractile body. Oocysts and endogenous developmental stages were found within the gall bladder epithelium of the infected lizard. This represents the first time a coccidian has been reported from a North American whiptail lizard.     

A new species of Eimeria (Apicomplexa, Eimeriidae) from the weedy sea dragon Phyllopteryx taeniolatus (Osteichthyes: Syngnathidae)

A new species of intestinal coccidian is described from the weedy or common sea dragon Phyllopteryx taeniolatus housed at the New England Aquarium in Boston and at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, USA. Live oocysts of Eimeria phyllopterycis sp. n. are spherical, 30.9 (28.0-34.4) microm, with a thin, single-layered wall. Both a micropyle and oocyst residuum are absent and a large polar granule is sometimes present. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal and elongate, 24.3 x 10.4 (23.4-25.6 x 9.2-11.2) microm, with Stieda and substieda bodies; shape index (length/width) 2.33 (2.14-2.70). A sporocyst residuum is present, consisting of numerous granules of various sizes. Sporozoites each possess 3 refractile bodies. Preliminary evidence suggests that the coccidian may affect the health of sea dragons; however, it could not be determined whether this parasite caused significant morbidity or mortality.     

Coccidia of Brazilian mammals: Eimeria marajoensis N. Sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the Anteater, Tamandua tetradactyla (Xenarthra: Myrmecophagidae)

Feces from a juvenile specimen of the anteater Tamandua tetradactyla from Ponta de Pedras, Marajó, Pará, northern Brazil, contained three different coccidial oocysts: Eimeria tamanduae Lainson, 1968; E. corticulata Lainson & Shaw, 1990; and a third species previously unrecorded and described here as Eimeria marajoensis n. sp. Oocysts of the latter parasite are spherical to subspherical, 13.9 +/- 1.5 x 13.4 +/- 1.4 (11.1-16.5 x 11.1-16.5) microns, shape index (length/width) 1.0 (1.0-1.2). The oocyst wall is a single, colorless layer about 0.6-1.0 microns thick with no striations or micropyle. There is no oocyst residuum, but a single, round, oval or irregularly shaped polar granule of about 0.75-2.5 microns is consistently present. The sporocysts are broadly ellipsoidal, 7.1 +/- 0.7 +/- 5.3 +/- 0.6 (6.0-8.8 x 4.0-5.7) microns, shape index 1.3 (1.2-1.5), with a delicate wall bearing minute stieda body. No sub-stieda body was visible. The sporocyst residuum consists of some 10-20 rounded granules, lying between the two slightly curved sporozoites which measure approximately 6.5 x 2.0 microns. Sporocyst refractile bodies were not discernable.     

Two new species of coccidia (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from Madagascar Gekkonids

Two new species of coccidia (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) are described from the Madagascar giant day gecko, Phelsuma madagascariensis grandis, and the Golddust day gecko, P. laticauda. Both species of coccidia were found to infect the anterior one-half of the small intestine. Oocysts of Eimeria brygooi n. sp. are spherical or subspherical, 23.0 X 21.3 (18.8-25.2 X 16.4-23.2)micron; shape index (L/W) 1.1 (1.0-1.2). A micropyle, oocyst residuum, and polar granule are absent. Sporocysts are ovoid, 9.2 X 7.9 (8.0-10.0 X 7.2-8.8) micron; shape index 1.2 (1.0-1.3), with a Goussia-type suture; Stieda and substieda bodies are absent. A sporocyst residuum is present, 4.2 X 3.0 (3.2-6.4 X 2.4-4.0) micron. Sporozoites are elongate, with anterior and posterior refractile bodies. This coccidian was found to infect five of six (83%) P. m. grandis and one of five (20%) P. laticauda examined. Oocysts of Isospora gekkonis n. sp. are spherical or subspherical, 24.2 X 22.0 (21.6-26.4 X 20.0-23.6) micron; shape index 1.1 (1.0-1.2). A micropyle and oocyst residuum are absent; polar granule present. Sporocysts are ovoid, 12.2 X 9.4 (11.2-12.8 X 8.4-10.0) micron, with Stieda and substieda bodies; shape index 1.3 (1.2-1.4). A sporocyst residuum is present, either compact, 5.1 X 4.2 (4.0-7.2 X 3.2-5.6) micron or diffuse. Sporozoites are elongate, with anterior and posterior refractile bodies. Isospora gekkonis was found in two of six (33%) P. m. grandis and one of five (20%) P. laticauda. In addition, oocysts of Cryptosporidium sp. were found in the cloacas of two of six (33%) necropsied P. m. grandis.     

Two new coccidian parasites from the slate-colored grosbeak (Pitylus grossus) of South America.

In July and August 1990, fecal samples from 2 slate-colored grosbeaks were collected from the rain forest of Ecuador. Upon examination, 2 new species of coccidia were discovered. Oocysts of Isospora pityli n. sp. are spheroid or subspheroid, 20.1 x 18.8 (20-20.5 x 17-20) microns, with a shape index of 1.07 (1.0-1.18) but lacking a micropyle, oocyst residuum, and polar granules. Sporocysts are ovoid, 14.7 x 9.4 (12-17 x 8-11) microns, with small nipplelike Stieda bodies, no substieda bodies, and residua composed of an amorphous cluster of coarse, nonuniform granules. Sporozoites each possess a large refractile body at 1 end and appear to be enclosed in a thin membrane within the sporocyst along with the residuum. Oocysts of L. formarum n. sp. are spheroid or subspheroid, 24.6 x 23.5 (21-27 x 20-25) microns, with a shape index of 1.05 (1.0-1.09) but with no micropyle, oocyst residuum, or polar granules. Sporocysts are ovoid, 15.7 x 11.3 (14-17 x 10-13) microns, with small, nipplelike Stieda bodies and large triangular or conical-shaped substieda bodies with irregular lower edges. Sporozoites each possess an oblong refractile body at 1 end and appear packed together randomly and enclosed in a membrane along with a spheroid residuum composed of fine, uniform granules.     

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.     

Three new species of Eimeria (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from Apalone spinifera pallidus (Testudines: Trionychidae) in Texas, with a redescription of E. amydae

Three new species of Eimeria are described from pallid spiny softshells, Apalone spinifera pallidus, collected in north-central Texas. Oocysts of Eimeria spinifera n. sp. were found in the feces of 3/9 (33%) turtles and are subspheroid, ellipsoid, or pear-shaped, 16.3 x 14.0 (14-19 x 12-18) microns, with a thin, single-layered wall; shape index 1.2 (1.1-1.3). A micropyle is absent, but an oocyst residuum is present; polar granule present in 16% of the oocysts. Sporocysts are elongate-ovoid, 10.3 x 5.2 (8-12 x 5-6) microns, each with a Stieda body bearing short filaments. Oocysts of Eimeria apalone n. sp. were found in 5/9 (56%) turtles and are ellipsoid, elongate pear-shaped, or subspheroid, 16.8 x 13.2 (12-19 x 10-16) microns, with a thin, single-layered wall; shape index 1.3 (1.0-1.5). A micropyle, oocyst residuum, and polar granule are absent. Sporocysts are elongate-ovoid, 11.3 x 6.2 (9-14 x 5-7) microns, each with a prominent Stieda body. Oocysts of Eimeria pallidus n. sp. were found in 4/9 (44%) A. s. pallidus and are spheroid or subspheroid, 23.4 x 21.6 (18-27 x 17-25) microns, with a thin, single-layered wall; shape index 1.1 (1.0-1.3). A micropyle is absent, but an oocyst residuum is present; polar granule present in 20% of the oocysts. Sporocysts are elongate-ovoid, 14.3 x 6.2 (13-17 x 6-7) microns, each with a Stieda body and short filaments. In addition to the new species, 3 previously described eimerians, including Eimeria amydae Roudabush, 1937, which is redescribed, were also found.     

Isospora mcquistioni and Isospora bioccai (Apicomplexa, Eimeriidae): two new coccidian parasites from Carduelis sinica (Passeriformes, Fringillidae).

The following two species are described from Carduelis sinica (Greenfinch) from Italy. The oocysts of Isospora mcquistioni n. sp. were 26.0 x 22.6 (24.0-28.5 x 20.0-24.2) microns and ovoid with a smooth bilayered wall. Neither micropyle nor oocyst residuum were observed. One polar granule was found. Sporocysts were oval, 18.1 x 11.4 (16.0-19.8 x 11.0-12.0) microns, and with a symmetrical Stieda complex. The residuum was compact and spherical. Isospora bioccai n. sp. oocysts were spherical to subspherical and 24.0 x 23.6 (22.0-26.0 x 21.0-25.8) microns. The oocyst wall was smooth and bilayered. A micropyle and oocyst residuum were absent; 4 to 10 elongate polar granules were present. Sporocysts were 19.5 x 11.6 (18.0-20.0 x 10.0-12.4) microns, ellipsoidal, and with a symmetrical Stieda complex. The sporocyst residuum was diffuse and composed of a few granules.     

Three new species of Isospora Schneider, 1881 (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the lesser seed-finch, Oryzoborus angolensis (Passeriformes: Emberizidae) from Brazil

Three new coccidian (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) species are reported from the lesser seed-finch, Oryzoborus angolensis from Brazil. Sporulated oocysts of Isospora curio n. sp. are spherical to subspherical; 24.6 x 23.6 (22-26 x 22-25) microm, shape-index (SI, length/width) of 1.04 (1.00-1.15). Oocyst wall is bilayerd, approximately 1.5 microm thick, smooth and colourless. Micropyle and oocyst residuum are absent. The sporocysts are ovoid, 13.2 x 10.9 (15-17 x 10-13) microm, SI = 1.56 (1.42-1.71), with a small Stieda body and residuum composed of numerous granules scattered among the sporozoites. Sporozoites are elongated and posses a smooth surface and two distinct refractile bodies. Oocysts of Isospora braziliensis n. sp. are spherical to subspherical, 17.8 x 16.9 (16-19 x 16-18) microm, with a shape-index of 1.06 (1.00-1.12) and a smooth, single-layered wall approximately 1 microm thick. A micropyle, oocyst residuum and polar granules are absent. Sporocysts are ellipsoid and slightly asymmetric, 13.2 x 10.8 (12-14 x 9-12) microm, SI = 1.48 (1.34-1.61). Each sporocyst contains a barely visible Stieda body and a residuum composed numerous of granules. Sporozoites are elongated and each of them contains two distinct refractile bodies. Oocysts of Isospora paranaensis n. sp. are subspherical to broadly ellipsoid 24.3 x 19.8 (22-26 x 18-22) microm, SI = 1.22 (1.15-1.38) with smooth single-layered wall approximately 1.5 microm thick. A micropyle and oocyst residuum are absent, but one distinct ellipsoid polar granule (2.5-3.5 x 1.5-2.5 microm) is present. Sporocyst are ovoid, 15.7 x 10.1 (14-18 x 8-12) microm, SI = 1.46 (1.31-1.72), with distinct Stieda and sub-Stieda bodies. Each sporocyst contains a spherical sporocyst residuum, 4 microm in diameter All described isosporan species represent a possible cause of acute coccidiosis for O. angolensis in captivity.     

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 species of Eimeria (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the eastern pipistrelle, Perimyotis subflavus (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae), in Arkansas

During November 2009 and March 2010, 20 adult eastern pipistrelles, Perimyotis (= Pipistrellus) subflavus, were collected from Polk County, Arkansas, and their feces were examined for coccidian parasites. Two (10%) of the bats were found to be passing oocysts of an undescribed species of Eimeria. Oocysts of Eimeria heidti n. sp. were ovoidal to ellipsoidal, 26.1 × 20.5 μm (23-31 × 18-23 μm), with a bilayered wall, externally rough, internally smooth, and with a shape index of 1.3. Micropyle and oocyst residuum were absent, but a subspherical polar granule was often present. Sporocysts were ovoidal, 13.0 × 8.8 μm (11-15 × 7-13 μm), the shape index was 1.6, a Stieda body was present and sub-Stieda and para-Stieda bodies were absent. A sporocyst residuum consisting of multiple globules dispersed along the perimeter of the sporocyst and between the sporozoites were present, sporozoites were elongate, with a subspherical anterior refractile body and elongate posterior refractile body; a nucleus not discernible. This is the second coccidian reported from this host and the fourth instance of a coccidian species reported from an Arkansas bat.     

Eimeria ornata N. Sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the Ornate Box Turtle, Terrapene ornata ornata (Reptilia: Testudines), in Texas

Eimeria ornata n. sp. is described from the feces of 6/16 (37.5%) ornate box turtles, Terrapene ornata ornata , in northcentral Texas. Endogenously sporulated oocysts are ellipsoid 17.9 × 15.7(16-21 × 14-18) μm, with a thin, single-layered wall; shape index 1.14 (1.0-1.3). A micropyle is absent but a polar granule was present in one third of the oocysts. An oocyst residuum was present, consisting of numerous small globules situated either in a distinct mass or scattered within the oocyst. The sporocysts are elongate, 11.1 × 5.4 (9-13 × 5-6) μm, with an indistinct Stieda body at 1 pole. A sporocyst residuum is present, consisting either as a compact mass or as scattered granules. The sporozoites are elongate, 9.5 × 2.0 (8-12 × 2) μm, in situ, with spherical anterior and posterior refractile bodies. The new species is distinguished from the similar Eimeria carri Ernst & Forrester, 1973, from eastern box turtles, T. Carolina , by slight differences in oocyst morphology and endogenous sporulation.     

Eimeria from bats of Bolivia: two new species from vespertilionid bats.

Between 1985 and 1987, fecal samples were collected from 71 bats representing 14 species (Desmodontidae, Molossidae, Noctilionidae, Phyllostomidae, Vespertilionidae) from 8 localities in 3 states (Beni, Pando, Santa Cruz) in Bolivia, South America. Of these, 2 black myotid bats (Vespertilionidae), Myotis nigricans, and 1 tent-making bat (Phyllostomidae), Uroderma magnirostrum, had oocysts in their feces that represent undescribed species of Eimeria. The new species from M. nigricans (2/4, 50%) has sporulated oocysts that are subspheroidal, 18.9 x 16.9 (17-23 x 14-20) microm, without a micropyle; oocyst residuum of 6-8 spheroidal globules and 1 highly refractile polar granule are present. The oocyst wall has 2 layers (approximately 1.3 microm thick), with a rough outer layer. Ovoidal sporocysts are 10.1 x 7.4 (7-14 x 5-10) microm, with a Stieda body, substieda body, and a sporocyst residuum. The new eimerian species from U. magnirostrum (1/2, 50%) has sporulated oocysts that are subspheroidal to ellipsoidal, 23.8 x 20.8 (20-26 x 19-24) microm, without micropyle or oocyst residuum, but 1-3 polar granules are present. The oocyst wall has 2 layers (approximately 1.5 microm thick), with a rough, mammilated outer layer. Ovoidal sporocysts are 11.6 x 8.6 (10-12 x 7-10) microm, with a Stieda body, substieda body and a sporocyst residuum.     

Eimeria gozaishoensis n. sp. from the Formosan serow (Capricornis crispus swinhoei)

Eimeria gozaishoensis n. sp. was found in the Formosan serow (Capricornis crispus swinhoei). The oocysts were ovoid, 29.41 +/- 0.58 x 20.77 +/- 0.41 microns with a bilayered wall. A micropyle and micropylar cap were observed, but a polar granule and oocyst residuum were absent. Sporocysts were ovoid, 11.78 +/- 0.30 x 7.60 +/- 0.31 microns, with sporocyst residuum and Stieda body. The new species differs from other known species of the genus by the morphology of oocysts and that domestic goats apparently could not be infected. The sporulation time was 6 to 7 days.     

Coccidia of Brazilian mammals: Eimeria corticulata n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the anteater Tamandua tetradactyla (Xenarthra: Myrmecophagidae) and Eimeria zygodontomyis n. sp. from the cane mouse Zygodontomys lasiurus (Rodentia: Cricetidae)

Feces from a specimen of Tamandua tetradactyla (Linn.) from Portel, Pará State, north Brazil, contained two different coccidial oocysts; one identified as Eimeria tamanduae Lainson 1968, and the other as a new species, described here as Eimeria corticulata n. sp. Oocysts of E. corticulata are ellipsoidal, 37.4 x 30.4 (31.2-43.7 x 23.7-35.0) microns, shape index (length/width) 1.2 (1.0-1.5). Oocyst wall 2.5-3.7 microns thick and composed of two layers; an outer thick, brown-yellow one with radial striations, and a thin inner smooth one: no visible micropyle. Oocyst residuum a large globule of about 10.7 x 10.3 microns, usually accompanied by a number of smaller attached globules. Sporocysts ellipsoidal, 21.0 x 11.0 (20.0-22.5 x 10.0-12.5) microns, with a conspicuous Stieda body; shape index 1.9 (1.6-2.2). Sporocyst residuum a small number of scattered granules: sporozoites 18.7 x 5.0 microns, with a large posterior refractile body. Eimeria zygodontomyis n. sp. is described in feces from Zygodontomys lasiurus (Lund) from the Serra dos Carajás, Pará. Oocysts ellipsoidal to cylindrical, 16.5 x 12.0 (13.7-18.7 x 11.2-12.3) microns, shape index 1.4 (1.2-1.5). Wall colorless, smooth, single-layered and about 0.6 micron thick: no micropyle. No oocyst residuum, but a polar granule of about 1.8 x 1.0 microns is sometimes present. Sporocysts ellipsoidal, 8.4 x 5.5 (7.5-8.7 x 5.0-6.2) microns, shape index 1.5 (1.4-1.7), with a thin colorless wall and a delicate Stieda body. Sporozoites enclose a compact residuum of about 2.5 x 3.7 microns.     

Coccidian parasites (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from insectivores: new species from shrew moles (Talpidae) in the United States

All of 18 shrew moles, Neurotrichus gibbsii, collected in Oregon and Washington were infected with one or more species of coccidia. Three eimerians and one isosporan were identified and described as new species. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria heterocapita n. sp. were subspheroid to ellipsoid, 25.5 X 21.4 (23-27 X 18-23) micron. A membranous, cap-like structure was present at one pole of the oocyst, but a micropyle, oocyst residuum, and polar body were absent. Ovoid sporocysts were 13.6 X 10.0 (12-15 X 9-11) micron; a compact sporocyst residuum was present, but Stieda, sub-, and parastieda bodies were absent. This species was found in 2 of 18 (11%) hosts. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria neurotrichi n. sp. were ovoid, 17.6 X 13.6 (16-20 X 11-16) micron; micropyle and oocyst residuum were absent, but a polar body was present. Ovoid sporocysts were 10.7 X 5.5 (9-12 X 5-6) micron; Stieda body and sporocyst residuum were present, but sub- and parastieda bodies were absent. This species was found in 2 of 18 (11%) hosts. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria parastiedica n. sp. were subspheroid, 27.4 X 25.5 (25-30 X 22-28) micron; micropyle, oocyst residuum, and polar body were absent. Ovoid sporocysts, pointed at both ends, were 18.3 X 10.4 (16-20 X 9-11) micron; Stieda, sub-, and parastieda bodies were present as was a sporocyst residuum. This species was found in 2 of 18 (11%) hosts.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Description of the oocysts of Eimeria paludosa (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from Fulica americana (Aves: Gruiformes), with comments on synonyms of eimerian species from related birds

Between November and December 1988, fecal and intestinal contents were collected from 25 northern American coots, Fulica americana americana, in Arkansas and Texas, and examined for coccidial parasites. Seventeen (68%) of the coots were infected with Eimeria paludosa, herein described; for the first time, photomicrographs of the species are presented. Sporulated oocysts are ovoid, 16.5 x 12.6 (15-23 x 11-14) microns, with a lightly to heavily pitted single-layered wall; an oocyst residuum is absent, but a prominent micropyle is present. A large, or several smaller, polar granule(s) is present, usually located beneath the micropyle. Sporocysts are elongate-ovoid, 10.8 x 6.2 (10-12 x 5-7) microns, with Stieda and substieda bodies. A sporocyst residuum is present, normally composed of very fine faint granules scattered among the sporozoites or, rarely, as a spherical mass. Sporozoites are elongate, 8.7 x 2.7 (7-11 x 2-3) microns, in situ. Each sporozoite contains a spherical-ellipsoid posterior refractile body and occasionally a spherical anterior refractile body. A nucleus is located immediately anterior to the posterior refractile body. The occurrence of E. paludosa in F. a. americana is a new host and geographic record for the parasite. In addition, several of the previously described eimerian species from gruiform birds are proposed to be synonyms of E. paludosa.     

A new species of Eimeria (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the western hognose snake, Heterodon nasicus (Serpentes: Xenodontidae), from Texas

A new species of coccidian (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) is described from the feces of a western hognose snake Heterodon nasicus (Serpentes: Xenodontidae) collected from Texas, and housed in the collection of the Zoological Society of London. Oocysts of Eimeria mchenryi n. sp. are cylindrical, 35.0 ± SD 1.4 (32-37) × 17.0 ± 0.7 (16-18) μm; the shape index (length/width) is 2.05. A micropyle, oocyst residuum, and polar granule are absent. Sporocysts are subspherical 9.3 (7-11.5) × 7.7 (6-9) μm, with a shape index of 1.2. There is a sporocyst residuum, but the new species is lacking Stieda bodies. The new species is distinct from those previously named from the Xenodontidae and the allied family, Colubridae.     

Coccidian Parasites (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from Insectivores: New Species from Shrew Moles (Talpidae) in the United States1

All of 18 shrew moles, Neurotrichus gibbsii, collected in Oregon and Washington were infected with one or more species of coccidia. Three eimerians and one isosporan were identified and described as new species. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria heterocapita n. sp. were subspheroid to ellipsoid, 25.5 times 21.4 (23–27 times 18–23) μm. A membranous, cap-like structure was present at one pole of the oocyst, but a micropyle, oocyst residuum, and polar body were absent. Ovoid sporocysts were 13.6 times 10.0 (12–15 times 9–11) μm; a compact sporocyst residuum was present, but Stieda, sub-, and parastieda bodies were absent. This species was found in 2 of 18 (11%) hosts. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria neurotrichi n. sp. were avoid, 17.6 times 13.6 (16–20 times 11–16) μm; micropyle and oocyst residuum were absent, but a polar body was present. Ovoid sporocysts were 10.7 times 5.5 (9–12 times 5–6) μm; Stieda body and sporocyst residuum were present, but sub- and parastieda bodies were absent. This species was found in 2 of 18 (11%) hosts. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria parastiedica n. sp. were subspheroid, 27.4 times 25.5 (25–30 times 22–28) μm; micropyle, oocyst residuum, and polar body were absent. Ovoid sporocysts, pointed at both ends, were 18.3 times 10.4 (16–20 times 9–11) μm; Stieda, sub-, and parastieda bodies were present as was a sporocyst residuum. This species was found in 2 of 18 (11%) hosts. Sporulated oocysts of Isospora neurotrichi n. sp. were subspheroid, 13.9 times 12.0 (11–16 times 10–15) μm; micropyle and oocyst residuum were absent, but 1–3 polar bodies were present. Ellipsoid sporocysts were 9.2 times 6.1 (8–11 times 5–8) μm; sub- and parastieda bodies were absent, but a Stieda body and sporocyst residuum were present. This species was found in 17 of 18 (94%) hosts. Ten of 18 (56%) hosts were seen to be naturally infected with only one coccidium.     

Three new species of Isospora schneider, 1881 (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the double-collared seed eater, Sporophila caerulescens (Passeriformes: Emberizidae), from Eastern Brazil

Three isosporan species are described from the double-collared seedeater, Sporophila caerulescens from Eastern Brazil. Isospora sporophilae n. sp. oocysts spherical to subspherical; oocyst wall bi-layered, smooth, inner layer colorless to pale yellowish, 21.6 x 20.9 (19.20-23.20 x 18.40-22.60) microm, shape-index 1.03 +/- 0.02 (1-1.10), with no micropyle or oocyst residuum. Polar bodies splinter-like or comma-like. Sporocysts ovoidal, 15.2 x 10.6 (17.40-12.80 x 12.60-8.40) microm, shape-index 1.43 +/- 0.14 (1.17-1.81), with knob-like Stieda body and residuum. Large crystalloid body in the center of the sporocyst. Isospora flausinoi n. sp. oocysts spherical to subspherical, oocyst wall bi-layered, smooth, colorless, 17.30 x 16.53 (14-20 x 13.60-20) microm, shape-index 1.05 +/- 0.04 (1-1.21). Micropyle and oocyst residuum absent; presence of a large polar body. Sporocystpiriform, 14.88 x 10.70 (11.80-18 x 8-12.40) microm, shape-index 1.40 +/- 0.18 (1.07-1.77), with smooth, thin, single-layered wall. Sporocyst with rounded Stieda body with no substieda body, and residuum composed of granular material. Isospora teixeirafilhoi n. sp. oocysts spherical to subspherical, oocyst wall bi-layered, smooth, colorless, 17.41 x 16.81 (15.60 - 19.40 x 14.20-18.80) microm. Shape-index 1.04 +/- 0.08 (1-1.12). Micropyle and oocyst residuum absent; presence of a small double-lobuled polar body. Sporocyst ovoid, 11.74 x 8.12 (9-14.20 x 6.20-9.40) microm. Shape-index 1.46 +/- 0.23 (1.06-1.88). Sporocyst with knob-like Stieda body, no sub-Stieda body and residuum composed of granular material.