Two new species of Longidoridae (Nematoda) from New Zealand forests

Xiphinema waimungui n. sp. from native forest in the North Island, New Zealand, is distinguished from many Xiphinema spp. by having two equal female genital branches, Z differentiation absent and tail short, convex-conoid. Females are 2.71–3.19 mm long, odontostyle 117–130 µm and odontophore 65–75 µm. Four juvenile stages are distinguished; tail shape does not vary markedly. Males were not found. Longidorus waikouaitii n. sp. from a native forest remnant in the South Island, New Zealand, has a rather posteriorly positioned guide-ring, large female body size (>6 mm), a bluntly conoid lip region which is continuous with the body contour and a bluntly rounded tail less than an anal body width long. No males and few juveniles were found. A dichotomous key is provided to the seven species of longidorids currently known from New Zealand.     

Aggregata andresi n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Aggregatidae) from the ommastrephid squid Martialia hyadesi in the SW Atlantic Ocean and some general remarks on Aggregata spp. in cephalopod hosts

A new species of coccidian, Aggregata andresi, is described from the digestive tract of the flying squid Martialia hyadesi, an ommastrephid squid that lives in cold subantarctic waters in the Southwest Atlantic. Gamogonic and sporogonic stages were observed in the digestive tract of 96.5% studied hosts. Oöcysts were ovoid to subspheroid in shape, 170–590 µm in length and 200–530 µm in width. Each oöcyst contained approximately 45,000 sporocysts. Sporocysts measured 9.5–10 µm in length and 8–8.5 µm in width. The surface of the sporocyst wall was smooth and the cyst wall thick. Each sporocyst contained three sporozoites measuring 16–20 µm in length and 2–2.5 µm width. A. andresi is the second species of Aggregata to be reported from a nerito-oceanic cephalopod host.     

Coccidian parasites (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) of the endemic Florida snake Tantilla relicta Telford (Serpentes: Colubridae)

The endemic Florida snake Tantilla relicta Telford is parasitised by six species of coccidia. Caryospora tantillae n. sp. has nearly spherical oöcysts, 19.6 × 18.9 µm (16–22 × 16–21), with no polar body, and an oöcyst length/width ratio (shape index, SI) of 1.04 (1.00–1.11). Ovoidal sporocysts are 15.1 × 11.6 µm (12–17 × 10–13), with an SI of 1.30 (1.1–1.6), a single prominent Stieda body and a sporocyst residuum. Sporozoites are 14 × 2.5 µm. Caryospora relictae n. sp. also has nearly spherical oöcysts, 18.5 × 17.6 µm (16–22 × 15–20), but is distinguished by having a distinct polar body and a substieda body in sporocysts. The oöcyst SI is 1.05 (1.0–1.2). Sporocysts are ovoidal, 14.8 × 11.4 µm (12–17 × 10–16), with an SI of 1.29 (1.1–1.5) and a sporocyst residuum. Sporozoites are 10–14 × 2–2.5 µm. Isospora cf. wilsoni has ovoidal to spherical oöcysts without a micropyle, measure 17.4 × 17.1 µm (15–19 × 15–19), and have an SI of 1.02 (1.00–1.07). Oöcysts have no polar granule or oöcyst residuum. Sporocysts are ovoidal, 11.4 × 8.2 µm (9–14 × 7–10), with an SI of 1.39 (1.18–1.62). Both a Stieda body and sporocyst residuum are present, but a substieda body, characteristic of I. wilsoni as described, was not observed. Sporozoites are 7–8 × 2.5–3 µm. An Eimeria sp., of which the sample was too small to justify taxonomic designation, has nearly spherical oöcysts without micropyle, a size of 22.5 × 20.9 µm (22–23 × 20–22), an SI of 1.08 (1.00–1.12) and no polar granule. Sporocysts measure 12.5 × 8.9 µm (11–14 × 7–11) and have an SI of 1.44 (1.18–1.87), a sporocyst residuum and no Stieda body. Sporozoites are 13 × 5 µm. Eimeria amphorae n. sp. has ovoidal to spherical oöcysts without a micropyle, a size of 24.8 × 22.3 µm (23–27 × 20–26), an SI of 1.12 (1.02–1.25) and no polar granule or oöcyst residuum. Sporocysts are elongate, 18.4 X 8.0 µm (17-22 × 6-9.5), with an SI 2.33 (1.79–3.00) and no discernible Stieda body or sporocyst residuum. Sporocyst shape differs by orientation, rectangular to amphora-like, tapering abruptly to a blunt point; sporozoites large, 15.5 × 4.2 µm. A biliary parasite, Eimeria pleistocenensis n. sp., has ovoidal to elongate oöcysts, without micropyle, with a size of 27.8 × 19.4 µm (23–32 × 14–23), with an SI of 1.44 (1.17–1.82) and an oöcyst residuum but no polar granule. Sporocysts ovoidal, 10.7 × 8.6 (9–13 × 8–10), with an SI of 1.24 (1.05–1.37), a sporocyst residuum, but without Stieda body; sporozoites 8.8 × 2.7 µm. Similar oöcysts from other Tantilla relicta populations, T. relicta neilli in north Florida T. relicta pamlica in southeastern Florida and T. relicta relicta in south-central Florida, have dimensions that lie within the range of variation in the type population and identically shaped sporocysts that suggest conspecificity with E. pleistocenensis, and presence of the species in the precursor to Tantilla relicta prior to the second interglacial period.     

Isospora ptyodactyli n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae), a new coccidian parasite of the fan-footed gecko Ptyodactylus puiseuxi Boutan, 1893 (Reptilia: Gekkonidae) from Jordan

Faecal samples from 17 fan-footed geckoes Ptyodactylus puiseuxi Boutan were examined for coccidian parasites. Five geckoes (29%) were found to be passing oöcysts of the genus Isospora Schneider. Comparison with other members of the genus Isospora indicates that the coccidian found represents a new species. Sporulated oöcysts of I. ptyodactyli n. sp. are spherical or subspherical, 22.1 (19.0–24.0) × 21.2 (18.0–23.0) µm, with a shape-index (length/width) of 1.04; and a smooth and bilayered oöcyst wall, 1.0–1.5 µm thick. A micropyle, oöcyst residuum and polar granule are absent. The sporocysts are ellipsoidal, 12.2 (11.0–14.0) × 8.0 (7.5–9.0) µm, with a shape index of 1.5 (1.4–1.9). Stieda and substieda bodies are present, the Stieda body being knob-like and the substieda body spherical to subspherical. A sporocyst residuum is present and composed of numerous granules of different size scattered among the sporozoites. The sporozoites are vermiform, with a slightly granulated surface appearance, and are arranged head to tail within the sporocyst. Most oöcysts have still to sporulate when excreted; sporulation was completed within 12 h at 25 °C. Endogenous development occurs inside the nuclei of enterocytes in the small intestine.     

Light and ultrastructural data on Henneguya testicularis n. sp. (Myxozoa,Myxobolidae), a parasite from the testis of the Amazonian fish Moenkhausia oligolepis

Light and electron microscopical data on a myxosporidian found in the testis of Moenkhausia oligolepis Gunther (Teleostei, Characidae, Tetragonopterinae) from the lower Amazon River near Belém, Brazil, are described. Based on spore morphology, we conclude that this species belongs to the family Myxobolidae and genus Henneguya. Mature spores (total length 27.5 (27.0–28.5) µm) were observed at the periphery of the testis. The ellipsoidal spore body consists of two unequal shell valves adhering together along the suture lines. The spore body is ellipsoidal, 14.0 µm long and 6.5 µm wide. Each valve tapers to a single caudal projection, forming a 13.5 µm long tail (13.0–14.5 µm). The spore is surrounded by a homogenous dense sheath. The polar capsules, measuring 9.0 × 2.0 µm, contain 12–13 coils of the polar filaments. Morphological differences between this material and other species of the genus Henneguya indicated the erection of a new species, which was named H. testicularis. The taxonomic affinities of this parasite are discussed.     

Two new species of Eimeria Schneider, 1875 (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from skinks in Florida

Eimeria egregia n. sp. parasitises the gall-bladder of Eumeces egregius onocrepis, the brown red-tailed skink, in the Ocala National Forest, Marion County, Florida. Oöcysts are oval, 27.6 × 17.4 µm (25–32 × 16–20), without micropyle, polar body or oöcyst residuum. The oöcyst length/width ratio is 1.59 (1.42–1.76). Sporocysts are ovoid, 10.3 × 8.3 µm (8.5–12 × 7–9 µm), with a length/width ratio of 1.24 (1.06–1.50,), without a Stieda body, but with a prominent sporocyst residuum. Sporozoites are 10–12 × 2.5–3 µm. The ground skink Scincella lateralis is infected by Eimeria scincellae n. sp. The oöcysts are cylindrical, 29.8 × 15.9 µm (28–33 × 14–17), with no micropyle, polar body or oöcyst residuum. The oöcyst length/width ratio is 1.89 (1.68–2.14). Sporocysts are oval, 10.9 × 8.0 µm (9.5–12 × 7–9), with a length/width ratio of 1.36 (1.18–1.64,), no Stieda body and a prominent sporocyst residuum. Sporozoites are 9–11 × 2–2.5 µm.     

A cytological study ofPelargonium sect.Eumorpha (Geraniaceae)

The chromosome numbers of seven species ofPelargonium sect.Eumorpha have been determined from material of known wild origin, and karyotypic comparisons have been made. Within the section there is variation in basic chromosome number (x = 4, 8, 9, 11), variation in chromosome size, and two species have polyploid races. The three species with chromosome numbers based on x = 11 have the smallest chromosomes (1.0–1.5 µm); chromosomes are larger (1.0–3.0 µm) in the other species.P. elongatum has the lowest chromosome number in the genus (2n = 8).P. alchemilloides is exceptional in that it has four cytotypes, 2n = 16, 18, 34 and 36, and the form with 2n = 36 has large chromosomes (2.0–5.0 µm). Evidence from a synthesized hybrid suggests thatP. alchemilloides with 2n = 16 may be of polyploid origin. The three species based on x = 11 appear to be more closely related to species from other sections ofPelargonium that have the same basic chromosome number and small chromosome size, rather than to other species of sect.Eumorpha.     

Paracapillaria epinepheli n. sp. (Nematoda: Capillariidae) from the red grouper Epinephelus morio (Pisces) from Mexico

A new nematode species, Paracapillaria epinepheli, is described from the stomach of the marine fish Epinephelus morio (Valenciennes), the red grouper, (Serranidae, Perciformes) from coastal waters of the Gulf of Mexico in Yucatan, southeastern Mexico. It is characterised mainly by its small body (body length of male and female 2.73–3.22 mm and 5.94–6.35 mm, respectively), number (31–36) and structure of the stichocytes, length of the spicule (0.180–0.195 mm), structure of the male caudal bursa (considerably reduced), structure and size of the eggs (size 0.057–0.063 × 0.027–0.030 mm), and by their site within the host. It is the second Paracapillaria species known to occur in the marine and estuarine fishes of the Gulf of Mexico.     

The integumental ultrastructure of Lamippe rubra Bruzelius and Enalcyonium rubicundum Olsson (Copepoda,Poecilostomatoida)

The integument of Lamippe rubra Bruzelius and of Enalcyonium rubicundum Olsson has been studied with the electron microscope.Most of the cuticle covering the body of Lamippe is represented by the epicuticle, which shows an average thickness of about 2.0 µm, but in sclerified zones it consists of a thin epicuticle (0.2 µm) and a stratified laminated procuticle (0.5–1.5 µm) without bow-shaped structure. A complex system of epithelial microvilli or a well-developed system of membranes running parallel to the cuticle is also present.The cuticle of Enalcyonium consists of a thin procuticle (0.4–0.5 µm) covered with a uniform fibrillar coat (0.5 µm), whereas in sclerotized areas it is composed of a stratified procuticle (0.7–3.5 µm) with bow-shaped structures.In both species, cuticular hairs and gland vents occur at the dorsal and ventral surfaces. Some of the hairs are considered to be sensory in nature.The cuticular ultrastructure of L. rubra and of E. rubicundum is compared with that of some other copepods.     

Alcataenia atlantiensis n. sp. (Dilepididae) from the razorbill (Alca torda Linnaeus) in the eastern North Atlantic basin

A new species of Alcataenia is described from razorbills Alca torda Linnaeus from the southern region of the North Sea in the coastal waters of Belgium. It differs from known species of the genus in having 18–20 rostellar hooks measuring 63–74 m in length. Other attributes include a cirrus-sac 145–228 m in length, 36–49 testes and a vitelline gland measuring 114–202 × 59–112 m. This is the first species of Alcataenia described from razorbills and appears to be the only member of the genus which is endemic to the North Atlantic basin.     

Leptepsilonema santii sp.n. from Spain and data on the variability ofL. filiforme (Nemata,Epsilonematidae)

The genusLeptepsilonema is recorded for the first time from the Mediterranean:L. santii sp.n. is characterised by a slender body with a large number of annules (122–128). Cuticular ornamentation with clear ridges and a lateral field of small thorns on both sides of the anteriormost annules are also typical as well as the number and arrangement of copulatory thorns (2–3 pairs, 2 fields), the shape and length (49–58 µm) of spicules in males.L. filiforme is recorded from New Caledonia; specimens largely resemble the original types but are larger. The variability of some morphological structures is discussed.     

Deep-sea nematodes from the Indian Ocean: new and known species of the family Comesomatidae

Twelve new and known species of the genera Sabatieria,Cervonema, Paramesonchium, Hopperia and Dorylaimopsis and one new genus, Kenyanema aredescribed from the Indian Ocean and S. pisinna Vitiello,1970 from the Mediterranean Sea. Sabatieria lucia sp. n.is characterised by short but distinct inner and setiformouter labial sensilla and long (4–5 µm or 30–33% hd)cephalic sensilla; S. conicauda Vitiello, 1970, ischaracterised by tiny inner and outer labial sensilla andsetiform cephalic ones and short and thick cylindrical tail;Sabatieria pisinna is characterised by short innerand outer labial sensilla, setiform (3µm long) cephalicsensilla, multispiral amphids with 3.25–3.5 turns and a tailwhich is conical in the anterior 2/3 and posterior 1/3cylindrical; Cervonema tenuicauda Schuurmans Stekhoven,1950, is characterised by anterior sensilla in twocircles which are equal in length (3µm long), multispiralamphids with 3–4 turns and located at 1.5 times hd from theanterior end, simple spicules one abd long and 6–7 fineprecloacal supplements; Cervonema minutus sp. n.characterised by an extremely attenuated anterior end,spiral amphids with 4–5 turns (80–90% cbd) and short,simple spicules (0.8 abd long); Cervonema gourbaulti sp.n. characterised by long (4–5 µm) labialand cephalic sensilla, spiral amphids with 5–6 turns(73–88% cbd) and an elongate crenate terminal pharyngealbulb; Paramesonchium mombasi sp. n. characterised bylong labial (5 µm) and cephalic (21 µm) sensilla thatare close together and wide amphids (80–90% cbd); Kenyanema monorchis gen. et sp. n. characterised bya head region narrower than the rest of the body, fourcephalic sensilla (3 µm long) and spiral amphids with1.5–2 turns; Hopperia indiana sp. n. characterised byshort conical anterior sensilla, arcuatespicules that have a velum and a gubernaculum with a longand sharp pointed apophysis; Dorylaimopsis coomansi sp.n. characterised by long (8–10µm) cephalic setae,cuticular punctation with lateral differention of irregularlyarranged dots at the pharyngeal region and 1–3longitudinal rows of dots posterior of the pharynx; spiculeswith a unique shape; Dorylaimopsis gerardi sp. n.characterised by short setiform labial and long (6–7 µm)cephalic sensilla, punctated cuticle with lateraldifferentiation of irregularly arranged dots at firstthen three or four irregularly arranged longitudinal rows atthe pharyngeal and tail regions and two regularly arrangedlongitudinal rows of dots on the rest of the body, aconico-cylindrical tail with a distinctly swollen tip;Dorylaimopsis variabilis sp. n. is characterised byshort labial and setiform cephalic sensilla (33–58% hd),multispiral amphids with three turns, cuticular punctationswith lateral differentiation of three longitudinalrows at the pharyngeal and tail regions and two longitudinalrows on the rest of the body, spicules that are thin andslightly arcuate. The position of S. pisinna accordingto the grouping of Platt, 1985 of Sabatieriaspp. is also discussed. Kenyanema monorchis representsthe first monorchic species in the family.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Sanguinicola maritimus</Emphasis> n. sp. (Digenea: Sanguinicolidae) from Labridae (Teleostei: Perciformes) of southern Australian waters

A new species of Sanguinicola Plehn, 1905 is described from the marine teleosts Notolabrus parilus (Richardson) and N. tetricus (Richardson) (Perciformes: Labridae) from Western Australian and Tasmanian waters. This host distribution is strikingly anomalous; however, the present material fulfils the morphological criteria of Sanguinicola. S. maritimus n. sp. differs from previously described species in having the combination of a body 1,432–1,701 μm long, the oesophagus 18.3–21.7% of the body length, the testis occupying 42.8–52.3% of the body length, an oviducal seminal receptacle and Mehlis’ gland present, ovoid eggs, and vitelline follicles that extend anteriorly past the nerve commissure, laterally past the lateral nerve chords and posteriorly to the anterior margin of the cirrus-sac. S. maritimus also lacks a protrusible anterior proboscis. It also differs in the combination of host and geographical location, being the first Sanguinicola species from a marine teleost and the first from Australian waters.     

Predation on Ceriodaphnia cornuta and Brachionus calyciflorus by two Mesocyclops species coexisting in Barra Bonita reservoir (SP,Brazil)

Feeding experiments with two species of carnivorous copepod, Mesocyclops longisetus (Thiebaud) and Mesocyclops kieferi Van de Velde from Barra Bonita, a eutrophic reservoir in São Paulo, Brasil, were performed using two common types of prey: Ceriodaphnia cornuta, a cladoceran, with a mean body length of 464 µm (including spines) or 393 µm (without spines), and Brachionus calyciflorus, a rotifer with a mean body length of 350 µm (including spines) or 279 µm (without spines).Both species showed higher consumption rates on Brachionus than on Ceriodaphnia. For Mesocyclops longisetus, the average rates were: 2.19 prey ind^–1 h^–1 (Brachionus), and 1.30 prey ind^–1 h^–1 (Ceriodaphnia). For Mesocyclops kieferi, the rates were 1.85 prey ind^–1 h^–1 (Brachionus) and 0.60 prey ind^–1 h^–1 (Ceriodaphnia). These experimental data are discussed with reference to the dynamics of the predator and prey populations in the reservoir.Laboratorio de Limnologia, Departamento de Ciencias Biologicas, Universidade Federal de São CarlosCentro de Recursos Hidricos e Ecologia Aplicada Lab. de Limnologia, Departamento de Hidraulica e Saneamento, Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo     

Microsomacanthus kaulobatroni n. sp. et Wardium neotropicale n. sp. parasites d' Himantopus melanurus du Paraguay

The authors describe and illustrate two hymenolepidid cestodes parasitising Himantopus melanurus (Aves) from Paraguay. Microsomacanthus kaulobatroni n. sp., 20–30 long × 0.6 mm wide, with 10 diorchoid hooks 33–38 µm long, three testes in a transverse row, short cirrus 20–28 µm long armed with very minute spines, a short vagina with a sphincter, and a multi-lobed ovary, with genital ducts similar to those of Hymenolepis himantopodis ( sensu Fuhrmann, 1906) but with rostellar hooks different from those of Tænia himantopodis Krabbe, 1869 sp. inq. Wardium neotropicale n. sp., 40-50 long x 0.9 mm wide, has campanulate proglottides, scolex with 10 aploparaksoid rostellar hooks 9 µm long, testes arranged in a triangle, a short cirrus pouch without a transverse retractor muscle, very short, unarmed cirrus, a short vagina with a sphincter (30–35 µm in diameter) but no retractor muscle, a multi-lobed ovary and a bipartite uterus. The shape of the hooks distinguishes this species from T. himantopodis Krabbe, 1869 and other aspects of its anatomy from other species of Wardium with hooks of a similar size. A single specimen of a third Hymenolepis (sensu lato) species (lacking the scolex) could not be identified.     

Paracapillaria xenentodoni n. sp. (Nematoda: Trichuroidea) from the fishXenentodon cancila (Hamilton) from West Bengal,India

A new nematode,Paracapillaria xenentodoni n. sp. is described based on light microscope studies of the worms recovered from the migratory fishXenentodon cancila (Hamilton) from the Hooghly estuary at Kalyani, West Bengal, India. The worms are characterised by relatively large body size, the structure of the male caudal extremity (the presence of two wide, lobe-like, dorso-lateral caudal projections), the large size of the spicule (0.236–0.374 mm), the transversely wrinkled but non-spiny spicular sheath, the structure of the stichosome (30–40 stichocytes present), the slightly elevated anterior vulval lip, and the size (0.040–0.049 × 0.021–0.026 mm) and structure of the eggs. This represents the first species of the genusParacapillaria from India and also from fishes of the family Belonidae (Atheriniformes).     

Heavy metals (Cu,Zn, Pb,Cd) in sediment,zooplankton and epibenthic invertebrates from the area of the continental slope of the Banc d'Arguin (Mauritania)

The concentrations of copper, zinc, lead and cadmium in the surface sediment (upper 5 mm) were generally higher in the silt fraction than in the bulk sediment. No significant geographical trend in the metal concentrations of the surface sediments was found, nor a correlation between concentrations in bulk sediment as well as in the silt fraction and the % silt could be established. In general, the metal concentrations in both bulk sediment and silt are lower, when compared to marine environments in other climatological regions.In zooplankton, the metal concentrations were relatively high: expressed in µg g^–1 on a dry weight (D.W.) basis, they ranged from 15–90 for copper, 70–580 for zinc, 12–55 for lead and 4–10 for cadmium.In epibenthic invertebrate species, both in crustaceans and bivalve molluscs, the concentrations of copper, zinc, and lead were in the same order of magnitude as compared to corresponding species from other geographical latitudes. Cadmium concentrations were relatively low, ranging from 0.13–0.42 µg g^–1 D.W. in the bivalve molluscs Pitaria tumens and from 0.04–0.27 µg g^–1 D.W. in the shrimp Processa elegantula. Also in the crab species Ilia spinosa, Inachus sp. and Pagurus sp., the cadmium concentrations were low, varying between 0.1 and 0.2 µg g^–1 D.W.No significant relation between the metal concentration in whole-body samples and sediment (either bulk or silt) was present. Also no gradient was apparent in concentrations in organisms sampled at different depths (5 to 200 m) along two off-shore transects perpendicular to the Banc d'Arguin. Data indicated lower metal concentration in epibenthic organisms from sampling stations along a northern transect (southwest of Cap Blanc) than in organisms from the southern transect, off Cap Timiris.Evidence was obtained for a considerable atmospheric input of heavy metals, in particular zinc and lead, in a certain area along the continental slope of the Banc d'Arguin.     

Isospora automoli,a new coccidian parasite (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the buff-throated foliage-gleaner Automolus ochrolaemus and the olive-backed foliage-gleaner A. infuscatus from South America

A new species of isosporan parasite is described from the faecal contents of the buff-throated foliage-gleaner Automolus ochrolaemus and the olive-backed foliage-gleaner A. infuscatus collected in the rainforests of eastern Ecuador. Sporulated oöcysts are subspherical to ovoidal, 23.4×21.3 (18–28×17–24) m, colourless, with a smooth, double-layered wall with the inner layer darker and thinner; the shape-index (length/width) is 1.1 (1–1.22). Oöcysts contain one polar granule, but lack a micropyle and an oöcyst residuum. Sporocysts are ovoidal, 15.4×9.9 (14–17×–11) m, with a smooth single-layered wall and a small nipple-like Stieda body attached to a small, inconspicuous, acentric substieda body. Sporozoites are vermiform with one prominent posterior, refractile body (c. 4×5 m), and a centrally located nucleus of equal size. Sporozoites are randomly arranged in the sporocysts with a subspherical sporocyst residuum composed of coarse granules.     

Lemdana latifi n. sp. (Filarioidea: Onchocercidae) from the red jungle fowl (Gallus gallus spadiceus)

Lemdana latifi n. sp. was found in connective tissues around the trachea and crop and in the body-cavity of seven of 14 Malayan red jungle fowl Gallus gallus spadiceus. The new species is described and illustrated. Morphologically it is most closely related to Lemdana pavonica and Lemdana francolini. Lemdana latifi is distinguished from the eight valid species of Lemdana by the mean spicular ratio of 1.7:1; the right spicule with a right margin 18–29% (15–31 m; mean 24 m) longer than the left margin; the distal half of the left spicule twisted and S-shaped; and the absence of unpaired papillae at tip of male tail. The new species has smaller adults, a shorter left spicule and a shorter glandular oesophagus than those of L. pavonica and a wider male, shorter spicules and a longer muscular oesophagus than those of L. francolini. The male of L. latifi is 7–9 (8.1)mm long, the left spicule 164–215 (184)m long and the right spicule 98–117 (108)m long. The female is 17–23 (21)mm in length. Sheathed microfilariae from blood smears are 78–100 m long and those from the uterus are 89–103 m long. This is the sixth valid species of Lemdana in the Phasianidae.     

Four new species of Isospora Schneider, 1881 (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from reptiles from the islands of Seychelles

Four new Isospora species (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) are described from reptiles collected in Seychelles. Oöcysts of I. gardneri n. sp. from Phelsuma astriata astriata, P. sundbergi sundbergi and P. sundbergi longinsulae are ellipsoid, 28.9 (22–31) × 23.5 (18–24) m with a rough 1.5–2 m thick wall. A micropyle, oöcyst residuum and polar granule are absent. Sporocysts are ellipsoid, 14.9 (12.5–17) × 8.8 (8–9.5) m, with a dome-like Stieda body, globular substieda body and a sporocyst residuum consisting of small granules; and the sporozoites have transversal striations. Oöcysts of I. seychellensis n. sp. from 3/7 Mabuya seychellensis are ellipsoid, 19.8 (17.5–21.5) × 15.3 (14.5–16) m. A micropyle, oöcyst residuum and polar granule are absent. Sporocysts are ovoid to broadly ovoid, 11.2 (10–12) × 7.4 (7–8) m, with Stieda and substieda bodies. A sporocyst residuum is present, consisting of small granules; and the sporozoites have distinct transverse striations. Oöcysts of I. tigris n. sp. from 1/1 Calumma tigris are ellipsoid, 22.5 (19–24) × 18 (16–20) m. A micropyle, oöcyst residuum and polar granule are absent. Sporocysts are ovoid or ellipsoid, 13.6 (12–15) × 7 (6–8) m, with large Stieda body and substieda bodies. A sporocyst residuum is present, consisting of numerous small granules; and the sporozoites are vermiform with distinct transverse striations. Oöcysts of I. ladiguensis n. sp. from Phelsuma sundbergi ladiguensis and P. sundbergi longinsulae are spherical to subspherical, 13.2 (12–13.5) × 12 (9–13) m, without micropyle and oöcyst residuum but with one globular polar granule. Sporocysts ovoid, 9 (8–10) × 5.6 (5–6) m, with dome-like Stieda and subglobular substieda body; and the sporozoites are vermiform with distinct transverse striations.