Paracuaria hispanica n. sp. (Nematoda: Acuariidae), a stomach parasite of the pyrenean desman Galemys pyrenaicus Geoffr. (Insectivora: Talpidae), with a redefinition of the genus Paracuaria Rao, 1951

Adult and fourth-stage larvae of Paracuaria hispanica n. sp., from the stomach of the Pyrenean desman Galemys pyrenaicus Geoffroy (Insectivora: Talpidae) in northern and central Spain, are described. The new species differs from the other members of the genus Paracuaria (P. adunca and P. soricis), among other morphological details, in its smaller body and spicule sizes, the presence of a cuticular ring around the tip of the female tail, and the existence of lateral alae running longitudinally along its body from the cervical region to the tail. In view of the latter feature, the genus Paracuaria is redefined. The fourth stage larva of the new species is distinguished from that of P. adunca by its monocuspid deirids. P. hispanica occurred in 45% of the 20 host specimens examined.     

Description and host relationships of Polymorphus spindlatus n. sp. (Acanthocephala: Polymorphidae) from the heron Nycticorax nycticorax in Peru

Polymorphus spindlatus n. sp. is described from the black-crowned night heron, Nycticorax nycticorax, in Lake Titicaca, Peru. It is distinguished from all 27 known species of the subgenus Polymorphus by its spindle-shaped proboscis and its trunk shape, the anterior 2/3 of which is ovoid, tapering into a tubular posterior end. It resembles Polymorphus brevis (=Arhythmorhynchus brevis), which is, however, longer and considerably more slender, and has smaller and more numerous proboscis hooks per row and smaller eggs. It is separated also from Polymorphus swartzi, Polymorphus striatus, Polymorphus contortus, and Polymorphus cincli by its proboscis armature (usually 18 longitudinal rows of 11-13 hooks each), among other characters. Histopathological sections of host tissue show well defined localized damage including hemorrhaging with subsequent phagocyte cell migration (granular tissue). The lumen of the host intestine is obstructed and villi show compression. The proboscis of P. spindlatus extends through the intestinal mucosa and submucosa, displacing the smooth muscle layers of the muscularis externa. Fibrosis also was observed.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Petasiger islandicus</Emphasis> n. sp. (Digenea: Echinostomatidae) in the horned grebe <Emphasis Type="Italic">Podiceps auritus</Emphasis> (L.) (Aves: Podicipedidae) from Iceland

Petasiger islandicus n. sp. is described and figured from a demographically isolated population of the horned grebe Podiceps auritus auritus (L.) in Lake Myvatn (Iceland). This new species belongs to the group of species with 19 collar spines which possess a large elongate-oval cirrus-sac, well-developed pars prostatica and massive bulb-like cirrus. Within this group, P. islandicus appears most similar to P. oschmarini Kostadinova & Gibson, 1998, a form with similar body dimensions described from the same host, but differs in having a larger head collar, collar spines, oral sucker, pharynx, testes and sucker-width ratio, and a smaller cirrus-sac, cirrus and eggs. Two Nearctic species resemble P. islandicus in general morphology but differ as follows: P. pseudoneocomense Bravo-Hollis, 1969 has a larger body and collar width, notably shorter collar spines, smaller testes and sucker-width ratio, and a shorter but much wider cirrus-sac which is also smaller relative to the ventral sucker and almost entirely anterior to it; and P. caribbensis Nassi, 1980 has a smaller body, shorter collar spines and a seminal vesicle which is small in relation to the cirrus-sac, vitelline fields reaching anteriorly to the level of the genital pore and the intestinal bifurcation is located more anteriorly.     

Brachylaima apoplania n. sp. (Digenea: Brachylaimidae) from the Polynesian rat, Rattus exulans (Rodentia: Muridae), in New Zealand: origins and zoogeography

Brachylaima apoplania n. sp. is described from the small intestine of the Polynesian rat (Rattus exulans) on Tiritiri Matangi Island, New Zealand. The new species is most similar to Brachylaima ratti Baugh, 1962, from Rattus rattus. The two species differ only in morphometric characters, B. apoplania possessing significantly smaller suckers, pharynx, testes, ovary, and cirrus sac. The close resemblance between B. apoplania and B. ratti, the close relationship between their hosts, and archaeological evidence on the origin and early dispersal of R. exulans are used to hypothesize a common Southeast Asian origin for the 2 Brachylaima species. Brachylaima apoplania is believed to have dispersed subsequently throughout the South Pacific islands, along with its rodent host, in the canoes of the ancestors of the modern Polynesians and Maoris.     

Plagiorhynchidae Meyer, 1931 (Acanthocephala) from Australasian birds and mammals,with descriptions of Plagiorhynchus (Plagiorhynchus) menurae (Johnston, 1912) and P. (P.) allisonae n. sp.

New host and locality records are given for Plagiorhynchus (Plagiorhynchus) charadrii (Yamaguti, 1939) Van Cleave, 1951 and P. (Prosthorhynchus) cylindraceus (Goeze, 1782) Schmidt & Kuntz, 1966. The uncertainty of identification of a plover host of P. (P.) charadrii as well as the origins of P. (P.) cylindraceus (found in Australia but not New Zealand) and its occurrence in both bird and mammal hosts are discussed. P. (P.) menurae (Johnston, 1912) Golvan, 1956 is redescribed, including the male, and new host, Menura alberti Bonaparte, and locality records are given. P. (P.) allisonae n. sp. is described from Haematopus ostralegus finschi (Martens) and H. unicolor (Forster) from the South Island of New Zealand. P. (P.) allisonae can be differentiated from its congeners by having a proboscis armature of 18-23 rows of 14-20 hooks, thorns of hooks shorter than simple roots with short manubria, eight tubular cement glands and eggs of 134-154 x 33-36 microm in size. The presence of P. (P.) gracilis Petrochenko, 1958 in Australia is questioned. New host and locality records are given for Porrorchis hylae (Johnston, 1914) Schmidt & Kuntz, 1967 and the northern distribution of P. hydromuris (Edmonds, 1957) Schmidt & Kuntz, 1967 confirmed.     

Two new nematodes from the Iriomote cat, Prionailurus iriomotensis, from Okinawa: Uncinaria (Uncinaria) maya n. sp. (Ancylostomatoidea) and Molineus springsmithi yayeyamanus n. subsp. (Trichostrongyloidea)

Uncinaria (Uncinaria) maya n. sp. (Nematoda: Ancylostomatidae) and Molineus springsmithi yayeyamanus n. subsp. (Nematoda: Molineidae) are described from the Iriomote cat, Prionailurus iriomotensis, on Iriomote Island, Okinawa, Japan. Uncinaria (U.) maya resembles Uncinaria (Uncinaria) felidis Maplestone, 1939, from Prionailurus bengalensis of India but is distinguished in that the body is much smaller, the ventral rays are set closely with the lateral rays, and the externolateral ray is much shorter than other laterals. Molineus springsmithi yayeyamanus differs from Molineus springsmithi springsmithi Inglis and Ogden, 1965, from Prionailurus bengalensis horsfieldi of East Nepal in that the body is much longer, whereas the esophagus is somewhat shorter and the spicules are divided more distally. Presence of the closely related nematodes in both the Iriomote cat and P. bengalensis suggests a close evolutionary relationship of the 2 hosts.     

New species of Demidospermus (Monogenea: Dactylogyridae) of pimelodid catfish (Siluriformes) from Peruvian Amazonia and the reassignment of Urocleidoides lebedevi Kritsky and Thatcher, 1976

Three new species of Demidospermus Suriano, 1983 were found in mixed infections on the gills of 4 pimelodid catfish collected in the Amazon River basin around Iquitos, Peru, namely, Demidospermus peruvianus n. sp. from Pimelodus ornatus Kner, Pimelodus blochii Valenciennes, Pimelodus sp. (type host), and an unidentified pimelodid. Demidospermus peruvianus n. sp. (type host, Pimelodus sp.) is characterized by the presence of the male copulatory organ with 2 lateral, thickened projections, and the vagina with a loop at its middle. Demidospermus curvovaginatus n. sp. from P. ornatus , Pimelodus sp. (type host), and Pimelodidae gen. sp. differs from its congeners by the presence of a funnel-shaped vagina directed posteriorly and a male copulatory organ with a small lateral projection at its base. Demidospermus striatus n. sp. from P. blochii and Pimelodus sp. (type host) is distinguished by a cup-shaped vagina with conspicuous ridges at the perimeter of the aperture with a short tube directed anteriorly. In addition, Urocleidoides lebedevi Kritsky and Thatcher, 1976 , a parasite originally described from the gills of Pimelodus grosskopfii (type host) from Colombia, is transferred to Demidospermus , based on morphological characters that we observed in type specimens.     

Development of the parasitoid,Cotesia rubecula (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) in Pieris rapae and Pieris brassicae (Lepidoptera: Pieridae): evidence for host regulation

Several recent models examining the developmental strategies of parasitoids attacking hosts which continue feeding and growing after parasitism (=koinobiont parasitoids) assume that host quality is a non-linear function of host size at oviposition. We tested this assumption by comparing the growth and development of males of the solitary koinobiont endoparasitoid, Cotesia rubecula, in first (L1) to third (L3) larval instars of its preferred host, Pieris rapae and in a less preferred host, Pieris brassicae. Beginning 3 days after parasitism, hosts were dissected daily, and both host and parasitoid dry mass was determined. Using data on parasitoid dry mass, we measured the mean relative growth rate of C. rubecula, and compared the trajectories of larval growth of the parasitoid during the larval and pupal stages using non-linear equations. Parasitoids generally survived better, completed development faster, and grew larger in earlier than in later instars of both host species, and adult wasps emerging from P. rapae were significantly larger than wasps emerging from all corresponding instars of P. brassicae. During their early larval stages, parasitoids grew most slowly in L1 P. rapae, whereas in all other host classes of both host species growth to pupation proceeded fairly uniformly. The growth of both host species was markedly reduced after parasitism compared with controls, with the development of P. brassicae arrested at an earlier stage, and at a smaller body mass, than P. rapae. Our results suggest that C. rubecula regulates certain biochemical processes more effectively in P. rapae than in P. brassicae, in accordance with its own nutritional and physiological requirements. Furthermore, we propose that, for parasitoids such as C. rubecula, which do not consume all host tissues prior to pupation, that parasitoid size and host quality may vary independently of host size at oviposition and at larval parasitoid egression.     

Megalophallus deblocki n. sp. (Digenea: Microphallidae) from Rostrhamus sociabilis (Vieillot) (Aves: Accipitridae) in Paraguay

A new species in the little-known digenean fauna of Paraguayan birds is described in detail, especially in relation to its terminal genitalia. The new form, Megalophallus deblocki n. sp., is a microphallid from the intestine of the snail kite Rostrhamus sociabilis (Vieillot). It is differentiated in detail from its congeners, but differs mainly in having a substantially larger phallus (e.g. in relation to the ventral sucker), a smaller ventral sucker and smaller eggs. Comments are included on the functional morphology of the terminal genitalia.     

Paroncomegas araya (Woodland, 1934) n. gen. et comb. (Cestoda: Trypanorhyncha: Eutetrarhynchidae) from the freshwater stingray Potamotrygon motoro in South America

The trypanorhynch cestode originally designated Tentacularia araya is redescribed from its type host, Potamotrygon motoro (Potamotrygonidae), from specimens recently collected in Argentina and type material. The armature combines features of Eutetrarhynchus, Oncomegas, and Dollfusiella, indicating that its current placement in Eutetrarhynchus is incorrect and that the species represents a new genus. Paroncomegas n. gen. is proposed within the Eutetrarhynchidae Guiart, 1927, to accommodate Tentacularia araya as Paroncomegas araya n. comb. Eutetrarhynchus differs from Paroncomegas in the absence of a basal armature and basal swelling on the tentacles, from Dollfusiella by lacking macrohooks associated with the basal armature, and from Oncomegas, which possesses an asymmetrical basal swelling on the internal face of the tentaclc and a single macrohook on the external face of the basal armature. Paroncomegas is unique among these genera in possessing a chainette in the basal armature. All other genera currently recognized within the Eutetrarhynchidae can be distinguished from Paroncomegas by a distinct spatial divergence of hooks files 1(1'), resulting in a prominent space in views of the internal face. Two different morphotypes of P. araya can be distinguished in the material from Argentina, both infecting the same individual host specimens. They differ in the number and size of mature and gravid segments. Other characters concerning the tentacle armature, scolex features, and reproductive anatomy remain comparable.     

Protrellus dixoni n. sp. (Nematoda: Thelastomatidae) from the cockroach Drymaplaneta variegata

Abstract

In New Zealand, Protrellus dixoni n. sp. occurs in the hind gut of the introduced Australian cockroach Drymaplaneta variegata. It is distinguished from all other Protrellus species by its morphology. Females have a well developed muscular ovijector with a sphincter, and a conical tail with a filiform projection; males have four, not three, tail papillae. The taxonomic history of the genus is discussed and the generic diagnosis emended. New combinations include Protrellus eurycotesi, P. ischnopterae, P. ituana, and P. gurri. The population structure of P. dixoni in adult hosts is described: there are never more than one adult male, and usually few (one to three) adult females per host.     

Blatticola monandros n.sp. (Nematoda: Thelastomatidae) from the blattellid cockroach Parellipsidion pachycercum

Abstract

Blatticola monandros n.sp. occurs in the hind gut of nymphs and adults of the endemic New Zealand cockroach Parellipsidion pachycercum. It is distinguished from all other species of Blatticola in morphology — both sexes are smaller, the oesophagus is proportionately longer, and the spicule is shorter. The size of the nematode increases with the size of the host.     

Phytolyma tchuentei sp.n. (Hemiptera: Homotomidae), a new species of psyllid associated with Morus mesozygia (Moraceae) from Cameroon

A new Phytolyma species from Cameroon is described. Phytolyma tchuentei sp.n. is similar to P. minuta Hollis but antenna, male and female terminalia are different from the four described African Phytolyma species. P. tchuentei sp.n. develops on Morus mesozygia (Moraceae). Unlike the other Phytolyma species, the new species does not cause galls on leaves and buds of its host.     

Paradiscogaster flindersi and P. oxleyi n. sp. (Digenea: Faustulidae): overlapping host and geographical distributions in corallivore chaetodontid fishes in the tropical Indo-west Pacific

A total of 2,868 individuals of 47 species of chaetodontids were examined for faustulids at seven major localities in the Tropical Indo-West Pacific (TIWP). Combined morphological and molecular analyses allowed us to describe Paradiscogaster oxleyi n. sp. from three localities in the TIWP and in three host species, Chaetodon lunulatus Quoy & Gaimard (type-host), C. ornatissimus Cuvier and C. meyeri Bloch & Schneider. Molecular analysis of the ITS2 region of rDNA from two host species and three localities supports the morphology-based conclusion that P. oxleyi n. sp. is the same species at the three localities. Paradiscogaster flindersi Bray, Cribb & Barker, 1994 is reported from three new localities in the TIWP and is now known from 13 chaetodontid species. Sequences from samples consistent with P. flindersi differed from those from P. oxleyi n. sp. in 11–12 base pairs. The host ranges of the two species overlap broadly. Neither species was found in French Polynesia but both were found at Swain Reefs on the Great Barrier Reef. Only one of the two species was found at each of the five other sites. Both species occur almost exclusively in specialist corallivores allowing the inference that the metacercariae occur in corals. Finally, a key to the species of Paradiscogaster is provided.     

A new species of Onchobothriidae (Tetraphyllidea) from Chiloscyllium plagiosum (Elasmobranchii: Orectolobidae) in China

A new species of cestode, Yorkeria xiamenensis n. sp., is described from the spiral valve of Chiloscyllium plagiosum from coastal waters of Xiamen, China. It is the first record of Yorkeria in China. The new species is distinguished from all other species of Yorkeria by its possession of the following characters: the length of specimens, 15.8 mm; 63-95 proglottids; 71-85 testes per proglottid; large medial and lateral hooks in scolex; and eggs with 2 long polar filaments. The new species most closely resembles Y. parva Southwell, 1927 in the follicular vitellaria and similar ratio of lateral-to-medial hooks (1:2.15 vs. 1:2-2.5). However, Y. xiamenensis n. sp. has a longer strobila, more proglottids, a smaller ratio of pedicel to cephalic peduncle, larger hooks, more testes, and a different host.     

Paranucleospora theridion n. gen., n. sp. (Microsporidia,Enterocytozoonidae) with a Life Cycle in the Salmon Louse (Lepeophtheirus salmonis,Copepoda) and Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar)

ABSTRACT. Paranucleospora theridion n. gen, n. sp., infecting both Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and its copepod parasite Lepeophtheirus salmonis is described. The microsporidian exhibits nuclei in diplokaryotic arrangement during all known life‐cycle stages in salmon, but only in the merogonal stages and early sporogonal stage in salmon lice. All developmental stages of P. theridion are in direct contact with the host cell cytoplasm or nucleoplasm. In salmon, two developmental cycles were observed, producing spores in the cytoplasm of phagocytes or epidermal cells (Cycle‐I) and in the nuclei of epidermal cells (Cycle‐II), respectively. Cycle‐I spores are small and thin walled with a short polar tube, and are believed to be autoinfective. The larger oval intranuclear Cycle‐II spores have a thick endospore and a longer polar tube, and are probably responsible for transmission from salmon to L. salmonis. Parasite development in the salmon louse occurs in several different cell types that may be extremely hypertrophied due to P. theridion proliferation. Diplokaryotic merogony precedes monokaryotic sporogony. The rounded spores produced are comparable to the intranuclear spores in the salmon in most aspects, and likely transmit the infection to salmon. Phylogenetic analysis of P. theridion partial rDNA sequences place the parasite in a position between Nucleospora salmonis and Enterocytozoon bieneusi. Based on characteristics of the morphology, unique development involving a vertebrate fish as well as a crustacean ectoparasite host, and the results of the phylogenetic analyses it is suggested that P. theridion should be given status as a new species in a new genus.     

Megalophallus deblocki n. sp. (Digenea: Microphallidae) from Rostrhamus sociabilis (Vieillot) (Aves: Accipitridae) in Paraguay

A new species in the little-known digenean fauna of Paraguayan birds is described in detail, especially in relation to its terminal genitalia. The new form, Megalophallus deblocki n. sp., is a microphallid from the intestine of the snail kite Rostrhamus sociabilis (Vieillot). It is differentiated in detail from its congeners, but differs mainly in having a substantially larger phallus (e.g. in relation to the ventral sucker), a smaller ventral sucker and smaller eggs. Comments are included on the functional morphology of the terminal genitalia.     

Two nematodes,Paratractis hystrix (Diesing, 1851) and Buckleyatractis marinkelli n. g., n. sp. (Atractidae: Cosmocercoidea) from Podocnemis spp. in Colombia

Two atractid nematodes are reported from the large intestine of freshwater turtles of the genus Podocnemis in Colombia. Paratractis hystrix (Diesing, 1851) is redescribed in detail using the scanning electron microscope and is reported from P. expansa, P. vogli and P. unifillis, the last being a new host. Buckleyatractis marinkelli n. g., n. sp. from P. unifillis is characterized by the nature and arrangement of the spines on the body, particularly the dorsal crest restricted to the cervical region and formed of three longitudinal rows of large spines.     

Isospora peromysci n. sp., I. californica n. sp., and I. hastingsi n. sp. (Protozoa: Eimeriidae) from Four Sympatric Species of White-footed Mice (Peromyscus) in Central California

SYNOPSIS. Isospora peromysci n. sp., I. californica n. sp., and I. hastingsi n. sp. are described from 4 Peromyscus species in Monterey County, Central California. I. peromysci n. sp. was found in 35 of 1,346 Peromyscus , including P. californicus, P. truei , and P. maniculatus; I. californica n. sp. was found in 15 Peromyscus , including P. californicus, P. boylii, P. truei , and P. maniculatus ; and I. hastingsi n. sp. was found in one P. truei. Endogenous forms of I. peromysci n. sp. are described from P. maniculatus , and host distribution and incidence of all species are given.