Coccidia (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from Sciurid Rodents (Eutamias,Sciurus, Tamiasciurus spp.) from the Western United States and Northern Mexico with Descriptions of Two New Species1

ABSTRACT. Since May 1979, 190 rodents in the family Sciuridae, representing three genera and nine species, have been collected in the western United States and northern Mexico and examined for coccidia; 71 (37%) had coccidian oocysts in their feces. These included 2 of 12 (17%) Eutamias canipes; 7 of 12 (58%) E. dorsalis; 18 of 50 (36%) E. merriami; 33 of 96 (34%) E. obscurus; 3 of 4 (75%) E. townsendii; 3 of 9 (33%) Sciurus aberti; 1 of 1 S. griseus; 1 of 1 Tamiasciurus hudsonicus mogollonensis; and 3 of 5 (60%) T. mearnsi. The following coccidians were identified from infected rodents: Eimeria cochisensis n. sp. and Eimeria dorsalis n. sp. from E. canipes; E. cochisensis, E. dorsalis, and E. tamiasciuri from E. dorsalis; E. dorsalis and E. tamiasciuri from E. merriami; E. cochisensis, E. dorsalis, E. tamiasciuri, and E. wisconsinensis from E. obscurus; E. cochisensis and E. dorsalis from E. townsendii; E. ontarioensis and E. tamiasciuri from S. aberti; E. tamiasciuri from S. griseus; E. tamiasciuri and E. toddi from T. h. mogollonensis; and E. tamiasciuri from T. mearnsi. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria dorsalis n. sp. were ovoid, 21.9 × 16.8 (17–24 × 14–20) μm with sporocysts ovoid, 11.5 × 6.9 (10–14 × 6–8) μm. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria cochisensis n. sp. were spheroid to subspheroid, 16.7 × 15.3 (15–18 × 14–17) μm, with sporocysts ovoid, 8.4 × 5.6 (6–11 × 4–7) μm. Fifty-five of 71 (77%) infected hosts had oocysts of only one eimerian species in their feces at the time they were examined. One eimerian, E. tamiasciuri, was found in seven of nine host species in three genera. A list is provided of all eimerians (22, including the species described here) that have been described in the literature from Eutamias, Sciurus, and Tamiasciurus spp.     

Coccidian parasites (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) of Microtus spp. (Rodentia: Arvicolidae) from the United States, Mexico, and Japan, with descriptions of five new species

Beginning in July 1980, 149 voles (Microtus spp.) representing 9 species and 14 subspecies collected in Japan, Mexico and the United States were examined for coccidia; 67 (45%) had oocysts in their feces. These included 1 of 3 (33%) M. californicus sactidiegi; 0 of 1 M. longicaudus longicaudus; 0 of 1 M. l. macrurus; 48 of 111 (43%) M. mexicanus including 11 of 26 (42%) M. m. fulviventer, 1 of 2 (50%) M. m. fundatus, 13 of 31 (42%) M. m. mexicanus, 1 of 4 (25%) M. m. mogollonensis and 22 of 48 (46%) M. m. subsimus; 5 of 8 (63%) M. montanus arizonensis; 6 of 6 M. montebelli montebelli; 2 of 4 (50%) M. oregoni oregoni; 5 of 13 (38%) M. pennsylvanicus pennsylvanicus; 0 of 1 M. quasiater and 0 of 1 M. townsendii townsendii. The following coccidians were identified from infected voles: Eimeria saxei n. sp. (syn. E. wenrichi "B") from M. c. sactidiegi; E. ochrogasteri, E. saxei, E. wenrichi (syn. E. wenrichi "A"), and Eimeria sp. from M. m. fulviventer, Eimeria sp. from M. m. fundatus; E. ochrogasteri, E. saxei, Eimeria tolucadensis n. sp., E. wenrichi, and Eimeria sp. from M. m. mexicanus; E. wenrichi from M. m. mogollonensis; Eimeria coahuiliensis n. sp., E. saxei, Eimeria subsimi n. sp., E. wenrichi, Eimeria sp., and Isospora mexicanasubsimi n. sp. from M. m. subsimus; E. tamiasciuri and E. wenrichi from M. m. arizonensis; Eimeria spp. from M. m. montebelli; E. saxei and E. wenrichi from M. o. oregoni; and E. ochrogasteri and E. wenrichi from M. p. pennsylvanicus. Sporulated oocytsts of Eimeria coahuiliensis n. sp. were ellipsoid, 29.6 X 19.6 (27-34 X 18-22) micron with ovoid sporocysts 14.4 X 8.9 (13-18 X 8-10) microns. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria saxei n. sp. were subspheroid, 13.0 X 11.0 (11-14 X 10-12) micron with ovoid sporocysts 7.5 X 4.0 (6-9 X 4-5) micron. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria subsimi n. sp. were ovoid/subspheroid, 25.1 X 18.7 (22-28 X 17-21) micron with ellipsoid sporocysts 13.9 X 7.4 (13-15 X 6-8) micron. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria tolucadensis n. sp. were subspheroid, 25.4 X 20.3 (23-26 X 19-23) micron with ellipsoid sporocysts 11.3 X 7.8 (10-13 X 7-9) micron. Sporulated oocysts of Isospora mexicanasubsimi n. sp. were subspheroid, 23.7 X 23.1 (21-26 X 21-26) micron with ovoid sporocysts 14.9 X 10.8 (12-16 X 10-12) micron.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

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.     

Coccidian parasites (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from insectivores. II. Six new species from Japanese shrew moles (Talpidae)

Thirty-eight of 51 (74.5%) shrew moles collected in Japan were infected with from one to four species of Eimeria and/or Isospora including six of six Dymecodon pilirostris and 32 of 45 (71.1%) Urotrichus talpoides. Four eimerians and two isosporans were identified and all are described as new species. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria amorphospora n. sp. were subspheroid/ellipsoid, 21.1 x 17.9 (18-25 x 16-21) micrometers. Sporocysts were amorphous, gelatinoid envelopes greater than or equal to 20.3 x 7.5 (17-24 x 7-9) micrometers. Sporozoites were enclosed together within a membrane in each sporocyst. This species was found in 9 of 45 (20%) U. talpoides. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria gonocilia n. sp. were subspheroid/ellipsoid, 28.8 x 24.4 (25-30 x 21-28) micrometers; a highly ornate outer oocyst wall gave the appearance of a ciliated ball. Sporocysts ovoid, pointed at both ends, were 17.0 x 9.9 (15-19 x 7-11) micrometers; this species was found in 4 of 45 (8.9%) U. talpoides. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria talpoidei n. sp. were asymmetrical ovoid, 20.6 x 13.3 (18-23 x 12-15) micrometers, with sporocysts lacrimiform, 12.0 x 5.8 (10-14 x 5-7) micrometers. This species was found in 7 of 45 (15.6%) U. talpoides. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria honshuensis n. sp. were ellipsoid, 15.5 x 11.4 (13-18 x 10-13) micrometers, with sporocysts ovoid, 9.1 x 5.2 (8-10 x 4-6) micrometers. This species was found in 10 of 45 (22.2%) U. talpoides and in 5 of 6 (83.3%) D. pilirostris. sporulated oocysts of Isospora dymecodi n. sp. were subspheroid/ellipsoid, 15.8 x 12.6 (13-17 x 11-13) micrometers, with sporocysts ovoid, 9.1 x 5.2 (8-10 x 4-6) micrometers. This species was found in 10 of 45 (22.2%) U. talpoides and in 5 of 6 (83.3%) D. pilirostris. Sporulated oocysts of Isospora dymecodi n. sp. were subspheroid/ellipsoid, 15.8 x 12.6 (13-17 x 11-13) micrometers, with sporocysts ellipsoid, 10.9 x 6.9 (10-13 x 6-8). This species was found in six of six D. pilirostris. Sporulated oocysts of Isospora urotrichi n. sp. were spheroid/subspheroid, 13.4 x 12.4 (11-16 x 9-14) micrometers, with sporocysts ovoid, 9.2 x 6.3 (8-11 x 5-7) micrometers. This species was found in 27 of 45 (60%) U. Talpoides. Only 14 of 38 (36.8%) infected hosts (one D. pilirostris, 13 U. talpoides) were seen to be naturally infected with only one coccidian species when sampled.     

Eimeria pipistrellus n. sp. from Pipistrellus kuhlii (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) in Saudi Arabia

Fecal samples from 12 Pipistrellus kuhlii captured at Shagrah, Saudi Arabia, were examined for coccidia and three (25%) found to harbor a undescribed eimerian, herein described as Eimeria pipistrellus n. sp. Sporulated oocysts were subspherical, 24.8 x 23.2 (22-27 x 20-25) microns, with a bilayered and smooth wall. The micropyle was absent, but a large oocyst residuum and a single polar granule were present. Sporocysts were ovoid, 11.6 x 8.3 (10.5-13 x 7.5-9) microns, with a prominent Stieda body, but without a substiedal body; sporozoites lay head to tail in sporocysts and contained one large posterior refractile body. Eimeria pipistrellus n. sp. is the 3rd species of the genus Eimeria found from bats of the genus Pipistrellus.     

Coccidian parasites (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from two species of caimans, Caiman yacare daudin and Caiman latirostris daudin (Alligatoridae), from Paraguay

From October 1986 to January 1987, feces from 119 Caiman yacare and 12 Caiman latirostris were collected in Paraguay and later examined for coccidian oocysts; 69 of 119 (58%) samples from C. yacare and 3 of 12 (25%) samples from C. latirostris contained coccidian oocysts. Two eimerians infected C. yacare and both are described as new species. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria paraguayensis n. sp. are ellipsoid, 34.0 x 23.6 (26-38 x 20-29) microns with sporocysts ovoid, 14.0 x 7.1 (10-19 x 6-10) microns. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria caimani n. sp. are spheroid, 22.4 (19-29) microns with sporocysts ovoidal, 12.9 x 6.5 (8-17 x 5-8) microns. Isospora jacarei infected C. latirostris and is redescribed. Sporulated oocysts of I. jacarei are sub-spheroid, 13.2 x 12.1 (10-18 x 10-15) microns with sporocysts ellipsoid, 10.4 x 5.8 (7-13 x 4-11) microns. To date, members of the Eimeriidae found in Crocodylia include 5 species of Eimeria and 2 of Isospora including the new species described here.     

Five new species of Coccidia (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from colubrid snakes of Ecuador.

Fecal samples from 11 colubrid snakes, representing 10 species, collected in Ecuador during October 1994 were examined for coccidian parasites. Feces of 4 individuals, representing 4 host species, contained coccidian oocysts. Three species of Eimeria and 2 species of Isospora were observed and are described here as new. Oocysts of both Eimeria and Isospora were found in the feces of a slug-eating snake, Dipsas vermiculata. Sporulated oocysts of the Eimeria sp. are spheroid to subspheroid, 16.7 by 16.6 microm (14-18 by 14-18 microm) and those of the Isospora sp. are spheroid and 15.0 microm (13-18 microm) in diameter. Imantodes cenchoa, the common bluntheaded treesnake, was infected with a species of Eimeria. These sporulated oocysts are ellipsoid, 23.3 by 16.2 microm (25-21 by 15-17 microm). Sporulated eimerian oocysts from Leptodeira annulata, the southern cat-eyed snake, are subspheroid, 22.5 by 18.8 microm (19-26 by 17-21 microm). Feces of a juvenile Imantodes lentiferus, the bluntheaded vine snake, contained ovoid to ellipsoid isosporan oocysts, which measured 21.6 by 15.0 microm (20-23 by 14-16 microm) when sporulated.     

Two new species of Eimeria from peacocks (Pavo cristatus) in Saudi Arabia

Fifteen fecal samples from peacocks (Pavo cristatus) in Saudi Arabia contained oocysts of Eimeria riyadhae n. sp. in two peacocks and oocysts of E. arabica n. sp. in one peacock. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria riyadhae are ellipsoidal, 27-30.5 x 20.5-25 (28.8 +/- 1.3 x 22.4 +/- 1.6) micron, with a two-layered wall and bilobed polar body, but without a micropyle or residuum. The sporocysts are ovoid, 11-14.5 x 6.5-8 (13.2 +/- 1.2 x 7.2 +/- 0.6) micron with a thick, knob-like Stieda body and a residuum. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria arabica are spheroidal, 17.5-21.5 x 17.5-21.5 (19.2 +/- 1.6 x 19.2 +/- 1.6) micron, with a two-layered wall and two refractile polar bodies, but without a micropyle or residuum. The sporocyts are elongate ovoid, 9.5-12 x 4-6.5 (11.2 +/- 0.9 x 5.5 +/- 0.88), with a small crescent-shaped Stieda body. The host bird belongs to the order Galliformis.     

Coccidian parasites (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from insectivores. IV. Four new species in Talpa europaea from England

Moles from England were examined for coccidian oocysts and all 64 Talpa europaea were infected; of 64 infected hosts, 56 (88%) had multiple infections representing two to six coccidian species when examined. Oocysts in 31 of the 64 samples remainedunsporulated. Three eimerians and one isosporan were studied from the 33 fecal samples that had sporulated oocysts and these are described as new species; Cyclospora talpae Pellérdy & Tanyi, 1968, and Isospora sofiae (Golemansky, 1978) Levine & Ivens, 1979, are redescribed; and Cyclospora sp., similar to C. talpae, is discussed. Sporulated oocysts of C. talpae are ellipsoidal, 14.3 X 9.6 (12-19 X 6-13) microns with sporocysts ovoid, 9.4 X 5.7 (6-13 X 4-8) microns; it was found in 21 of the 33 (63.6%) sporulated samples. Sporulated oocysts of Cyclospora sp. are subspheroidal to ellipsoidal, 12.5 X 8.9 (10-14 X 6-12) microns with sporocysts ovoid, 8.6 X 5.3 (6-10 X 4-6) microns; it was found in 21 of the 33 (63.6%) sporulated samples. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria avonensis n. sp. are elongate-ellipsoidal, 15.0 X 9.6 (13-20 X 7-12) microns with sporocysts ovoid, 6.6 X 3.6 (5-9 X 3-7) microns; it was found in 15 of the 33 (45.5%) sporulated samples. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria berea n. sp. are subspheroidal, 12.1 X 10.5 (10-15 X 8-14) microns with sporocysts ovoid, 6.3 X 3.9 (5-10 X 2-5) microns; it was found in 8 of the 33 (24.2%) sporulated samples.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Eimeria from bats of the world: a new species in Tomopeas ravus from Peru

Two of 17 (12%) crevice bats, Tomopeas ravus (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae), from Peru had coccidian oocysts in their feces when examined. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria tomopea n. sp. are ellipsoid to subspheroid, 30.6 X 24.6 (26-34 X 20-28) micron with ovoid sporocysts 13.9 X 9.0 (12-15 X 8-10) micron. A micropyle and substieda body are absent, but polar bodies, oocyst and sporocyst residua, and small, indistinct Stieda bodies are present. The oocyst wall is thick, approximately equal to 1.5 micron and consists of 2 layers, the outermost being rough and mammillated. This is only the 13th eimerian to be described from bats worldwide. The currently recognized species of Eimeria are listed, and a possible New World-Old World phyletic split within the genus is described.     

Coccidia (Apicomplexa) from heteromyid rodents in the southwestern United States, Baja California, and northern Mexico with three new species from Chaetodipus hispidus

Fecal samples from 223 heteromyid rodents of 4 genera and 13 species were collected from California, New Mexico, and Texas and from Baja California Norte and Sonora, Mexico. Of these, 84 (38%) were infected with coccidian oocysts; 72 of 84 (86%) infected animals had only 1 species of coccidian. Eleven species of coccidia were identified including 1 cyclosporan and 10 eimerians; the cyclosporan and 2 of the eimerians are described as new species. Sporulated oocysts of Cyclospora angimurinensis n. sp. were subspheroidal, 21.9 x 19.3 (19-24 x 16-22) microns, with sporocysts lemon-shaped, 11.9 x 9.5 (9-15 x 8-11) microns; it was found in 1 of 20 (4%) Chaetodipus hispidus. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria chaetodipi n. sp. were subspheroidal, 16.7 x 14.6 (13-19.5 x 12-17) microns, with sporocysts ovoidal, 8.7 x 6.6 (7.5-10.5 x 5-7.5) microns; it was found in 3 of 20 (15%) C. hispidus. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria hispidensis n. sp. were subspheroidal, 20.5 x 17.4 (17-23 x 14-21) microns, with sporocysts lemon-shaped, 9.3 x 7.2 (7.5-10.5 x 5-9) microns; it was found in 4 of 20 (20%) C. hispidus.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Coccidia (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the subterranean rodent Ctenomys opimus Wagner (Ctenomyidae) from Bolivia, South America

Of 35 tuco-tucos (Ctenomys opimus) collected in Bolivia, South America, 31 (88%) had eimerian oocysts in their feces at the time they were examined. Eighteen (58%) of the 31 infected animals were concurrently infected with 2 or 3 eimerian species. Four species of Eimeria were recovered and are described as new species based on the characteristics of sporulated oocysts. Oocysts of Eimeria granifera n. sp. were ellipsoidal, 21.1 x 17.2 (15-26 x 11-20) micron with sporocysts ovoidal, 11.3 x 7.1 (8-14 x 5-9) micron. Oocysts of Eimeria montuosi n. sp. were spheroidal, 24.2 x 22.0 (21-28 x 18-25) micron with sporocysts ovoidal, 10.5 x 7.3 (8-14 x 6-9) micron. Oocysts of Eimeria opimi n. sp. were spheroidal to subspheroidal, 24.3 x 21.8 (18-29 x 15-26) micron with sporocysts ovoidal, 11.6 x 7.6 (10-13 x 6-9) micron. Oocysts of Eimeria oruroensis n. sp. were spheroidal to subspheroidal, 27.3 x 23.6 (23-32 x 20-28) micron with sporocysts ovoidal, 13.2 x 8.6 (10-16 x 8-11) micron.     

Coccidian Parasites (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from Insectivores. IV. Four New Species in Talpa europaea from England1

ABSTRACT. Moles from England were examined for coccidian oocysts and all 64 Talpa europaea were infected; of 64 infected hosts, 56 (88%) had multiple infections representing two to six coccidian species when examined. Oocysts in 31 of the 64 samples remained unsporulated. Three eimerians and one isosporan were studied from the 33 fecal samples that had sporulated oocysts and these are described as new species; Cyclospora talpae Pellérdy & Tanyi, 1968, and Isospora sofiae (Golemansky, 1978) Levine & Ivens, 1979, are redescribed; and Cyclospora sp., similar to C. talpae, is discussed. Sporulated oocysts of C. talpae are ellipsoidal, 14.3 × 9.6 (12–19 × 6–13) μm with sporocysts ovoid, 9.4 × 5.7 (6–13 × 4–8) μm; it was found in 21 of the 33 (63.6%) sporulated samples. Sporulated oocysts of Cyclospora sp. are subspheroidal to ellipsoidal, 12.5 × 8.9 (10–14 × 6–12) μm with sporocysts ovoid, 8.6 × 5.3 (6–10 × 4–6) μm; it was found in 21 of the 33 (63.6%) sporulated samples. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria avonensis n. sp. are elongate-ellipsoidal, 15.0 × 9.6 (13–20 × 7–12) μm with sporocysts ovoid, 6.6 × 3.6 (5–9 × 3–7) μm; it was found in 15 of the 33 (45.5%) sporulated samples. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria berea n. sp. are subspheroidal, 12.1 × 10.5 (10–15 × 8–14) μm with sporocysts ovoid, 6.3 × 3.9 (5–10 × 2–5) μm; it was found in 8 of the 33 (24.2%) sporulated samples. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria globula n. sp. are spheroidal, 20.9 × 19.9 (19–24 × 17–21) μm with sporocysts elongate-ovoid, 11.5 × 6.9 (9–16 × 6–9) μm; it was found in 3 of the 33 (9.1%) sporulated samples. Sporulated oocysts of Isospora sporopointaea n. sp. are subellipsoidal to ellipsoidal, 17.1 × 11.4 (13–21 × 8–14) μm with sporocysts ellipsoidal with both ends pointed, 11.9 × 5.9 (9–16 × 4–8) μm; it was found in 27 of the 33 (81.8%) sporulated samples. Sporulated oocysts of I. sofiae are spheroidal to subspheroidal, 12.2 × 11.0 (9–16 × 8–15) μm with sporocysts ovoid, 9.1 × 5.2 (6–13 × 3–8) μm; it was found in 25 of the 33 (75.8%) sporulated samples. To date, the coccidian parasites of talpids include two cyclosporans, 12 eimerians, and six isosporans, exclusive of the four new species described here.     

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)     

Coccidian parasites (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from insectivores. VI. Six new species from the eastern mole, Scalopus aquaticus

Thirteen eastern moles, Scalopus aquaticus, collected in West Texas were examined for coccidian oocysts; 11 (85%) were infected and eight (73%) of these had multiple infections representing two or more species. One cyclosporan, three eimerians, and two isosporans were studied and all are described as new species. Sporulated oocysts of Cyclospora megacephali n. sp. were subspheroidal, 18.5 X 15.7 (14-21 X 12-18) microns; they had sporocysts pointed at one end with Stieda bodies nearly as wide as the sporocysts themselves, and were 15.0 X 7.2 (11-17 X 6-9) microns; C. megacephali was found in four (31%) hosts. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria scalopi n. sp. were spheroidal to subspheroidal, 13.6 X 12.6 (11-17 X 11-15) microns with sporocysts lemon-shaped, 8.7 X 5.5 (7-10 X 4-7) microns; it was found in six (46%) hosts. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria aquatici n. sp. were asymmetrically ellipsoidal, 17.0 X 10.6 (14-20 X 9-14) microns with sporocysts elongately ovoidal, 9.0 X 5.2 (8-11 X 4-6) microns; it was found in two (15%) hosts. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria motleiensis n. sp. were subspheroidal, 17.0 X 15.3 (15-20 X 13-18) microns with sporocysts ovoidal, 10.7 X 6.8 (10-13 X 6-8) microns; it was found in seven (54%) hosts. Sporulated oocysts of Isospora motleiensis n. sp. were spheroidal to subspheroidal, 13.6 X 12.0 (10-17 X 8-15) microns with sporocysts broadly ovoidal, 9.5 X 6.7 (7-11 X 4-8) microns; it was found in nine (69%) hosts. Sporulated oocysts of Isospora aquatici n. sp. were subspheroidal, 20.9 X 18.4 (15-24 X 13-21) microns with sporocysts ellipsoidal, 11.8 X 9.0 (9-14 X 7-11) microns; it was found in two (15%) hosts.     

Two New Species of Eimeria from Peacocks (Pavo cristatus) in Saudi Arabia1

Fifteen fecal samples from peacocks (Pavo cristatus) in Saudi Arabia contained oocysts of Eimeria riyadhae n. sp. in two peacocks and oocysts of E. arabica n. sp. in one peacock. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria riyadhae are ellipsoidal, 27–30.5 times 20.5–25 (28.8 ± 1.3 × 22.4 ± 1.6) μm, with a two-layered wall and bilobed polar body, but without a micropyle or residuum. The sporocysts are ovoid, 11–14.5 × 6.5–8 (13.2 ± 1.2 × 7.2 ± 0.6) μm with a thick, knob-like Stieda body and a residuum. Sporulated oocysts of Eimena arabica are spheroidal, 17.5–21.5 × 17.5–21.5 (19.2 ± 1.6 × 19.2 ± 1.6) μm, with a two-layered wall and two refractile polar bodies, but without a micropyle or residuum. The sporocysts are elongate ovoid, 9.5–12 × 4–6.5 (11.2 ± 0.9 × 5.5 ± 0.88), with a small crescent-shaped Stieda body. The host bird belongs to the order Galliformis.     

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.     

Eimeria and sarcocystis in raccoons in Illinois

Eimeria nuttalli oocysts were found in 58% (21/36) and E. procyonis oocysts in 25% (9/36) of raccoons Procyon lotor in Illinois, and sporocysts of Sarcocystis sp. in 17% (2/12) of other raccoons in Illinois. The oocysts of E. nuttalli were ellipsoidal to ovoid, 15-21 X 12-17 micrometer, with a one-layered, smooth, colorless wall. The oocysts of E. procyonis were 22-28 X 18-22 micrometer, with a rough, striated, brownish, two-layered wall. The sporulated sporocysts of Sarcocystis sp. were 11-13 X 8-10 micrometer. Attempts to infect baby pigs by feeding them sporocysts of Sarcocystis sp. from the reaction failed.     

Eimeria from bats of the world. II. A new species in Tadarida femorosacca from Sonora, Mexico

Between 1979 and 1980, 104 bats representing 13 species in 4 families were collected in California and New Mexico, U.S.A., and Baja California and Sonora, Mexico, and were examined for coccidia; only 3 (3%) had oocysts in their feces. Bats examined and their infection rates were: Molossidae: 0 of 12 Tadarida brasiliensis, 1 of 18 (6%) T. femorosacca; Natalidae: 0 of 1 Natalus stramineus; Phyllostomatidae: 0 of 1 Choeronycteris mexicana, 0 of 2 Leptonycteris sanborni, 0 of 1 Macrotus californicus; Vespertilionidae: 0 of 9 Antrozous pallidus, 0 of 28 Eptesicus fuscus, 0 of 1 Lasionycteris noctivagans, 0 of 3 Lasiurus borealis, 2 of 22 (9%) L. cinereus, 0 of 1 L. ega, 0 of 5 Pipistrellus hesperus. Sporulated oocysts were only found in T. femorosacca and these represent a new species, Eimeria tadarida n. sp. They are subspheroidal to ellipsoidal, 19 x 25 (16-23 x 20-30) microns; a micropyle is absent, and fragments within the oocyst may be oocyst residuum or multiple polar bodies. The oocyst wall, approximately 1.5 microns, is composed of a mammillated outer layer and smooth inner layer. Sporocysts are ovoidal, 8 x 12 (6-9 x 10-14) microns, and have a small Stieda body and a wide substieda body. This is only the 14th eimerian to be described from bats worldwide. Only unsporulated or partially sporulated oocysts of an eimerian were seen in 2 L. cinereus. These measured 28 x 25 (27-29 x 24-26) microns and had a mammillated outer oocyst wall.