Two new Eimeria species (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the yellow-crowned Amazon Amazona ochrocephala (Aves: Psittacidae) in Brazil

In this study, we describe 2 new species of Eimeria associated with the yellow-crowned Amazon Amazona ochrocephala. Eimeria amazonae n. sp. has bilayered, ellipsoidal, and smooth oocysts that measure 48.9 × 36.2 μm; the length/width ratio is 1.35. The micropyle and oocyst residuum are both absent, but the polar granule is present. Ovoidal sporocysts are 22.2 × 11.9 μm. Stieda and sub-Stieda bodies and sporocyst residuum are present. The 2 elongate sporozoites are curved and measure 18.1 × 3.4 μm; both have 2 refractile bodies. Eimeria ochrocephalae n. sp. has bilayered, ellipsoidal, and smooth oocysts that measure 43.8 × 27.7 μm; the length/width ratio is 1.58. The micropyle and oocyst residuum are absent, but the polar granule is present; ovoidal sporocysts are 20.6 × 10.1 μm. Stieda and sub-Stieda bodies and sporocyst residuum are present; 2 elongate and curved sporozoites are 15.8 × 3.4 μm, each of which has 2 refractile bodies.     

A new Isospora species of passerines in the family Turdidae from Costa Rica

Seven thrush species (Turdidae) from Costa Rica were examined for intestinal parasites; 21 of the 84 (25%) birds sampled were positive for a new species of Isospora. Oocysts of Isospora zorzali n. sp. have thin, smooth, double, and colorless walls; they measure 19.7 ± 1.5 μm × 18.6 ± 1.4 μm (16-24 μm × 15-21 μm), with an average length-width ratio of 1.1 μm. Sporocysts are ovoid, measure 8.5 ± 1.1 μm × 14.5 ± 1.7 μm (7-11 μm × 11-18 μm) with an average length-width ratio of 1.7 μm. A nipple-like stieda body continuous with the sporocyst wall is present, but no substieda body was observed. A sporocyst residuum consisting of large equal sized granules was observed either clumped together or diffusely. The sporocysts fill the entire oocysts with little to no open space observed. This is the first report of Isospora species from any of the sampled host species and also the first report from any species of thrush in Costa Rica.     

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.     

高原姬鼠一新艾美球虫记述(顶复合门,艾美球虫科)

粪检云南省昆明市太平镇捕获的31只高原姬鼠Apodemus chevrieri,在9只高原姬鼠中共发现了2种艾美球虫,自然感染率为29%,其中1种被命名为新种:齐氏艾美球虫Eimeria chevrieri sp.nov.。齐氏艾美球虫孢子化的卵囊椭圆形,大小为21·2μm×16·3μm(22·2~19·7μm×17·3~15·6μm)。卵囊壁光滑,单层,厚约1·0μm;无胚孔和卵囊余体。有1~2个极体,极体形状不规则,直径1·0~2·0μm。卵圆形的孢子囊大小为11·2μm×7·5μm(12·3~10·3μm×8·3~6·8μm),有孢子囊余体,且主要分布在2个子孢子的中间,斯氏体扁豆形,大小为1·0μm×0·3μm,亚斯氏体亚球形,大小为2·5μm×1·5μm。子孢子在孢子囊里面头尾相接,在其宽端有1个明显的反光体,直径约3μm。模式标本保存在云南大学标本馆。齐氏艾美球虫,新种Eimeria chevrieri sp·nov.(图1~2,4)寄生于姬鼠属,具有椭圆形的卵囊,卵囊壁具有光滑、无色、单层特点的艾美球虫有3种:E.gomurica Musaev and Veisov,1963,E.kaunensis Arnastauskiene et al.,1978和E.gandobica Musaev and Veisov,1965。E.gomurica、E.kaunensis与本种的主要区别是卵囊较小且有卵囊余体;E.gandobica与本种的主要区别是卵囊呈宽椭圆形,卵囊和孢子囊较小(19·0μm×16·8μmvs·21·2μm×16·3μm;8·0μm×5·0μmvs·11·2μm×7·5μm),孢子囊余体少,无反光体和亚斯氏体。寄生于姬鼠属,具有椭圆形的卵囊,卵囊壁具有光滑、2层特点的艾美球虫有3种:E.alorani Hurková et al.,2005、E.apodemi Pell啨rdy1974和E.zaurica Musaev and Veisov,1965。E.zaurica与本种的主要区别是具有卵囊余体;E.alorani的卵囊和孢子囊比本种大的多(26·9μm×19·3μmvs.21·2μm×16·3μm),且其孢子囊余体形成一个直径约4~5μm的球状结构;E.apodemi的孢子化卵囊呈宽椭圆形,经常不对称,无极体和斯氏体。该种区别其它种的关键特征是:1)孢子化卵囊椭圆形,卵囊壁光滑、单层、无色;2)有极体;3)孢子囊有亚斯氏体。模式标本,含孢子化卵囊的齐氏姬鼠粪便保存在云南大学生物系,标本编号:2006047;齐氏姬鼠标本保存于云南大学标本馆,标本编号20060081。词源:种名源自宿主种名。     

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.     

A new eimeriid (Apicomplexa) species from endangered Attwater's prairie chickens (Tympanuchus cupido attwateri) in Texas

The Attwater's prairie chicken (APC; Tympanuchus cupido attwateri Bendire, 1894) has been a federally listed endangered species since 1967. Several captive propagation programs consisting of small populations are being used to keep this species from extinction. Fecal samples were collected from APCs in April 2007 and again in August 2008 from 2 separate captive propagation facilities in Texas after clinical signs of coccidiosis were observed. One Eimeria species was observed (Eimeria attwateri), which we describe as a putative new species. Sporulated oocysts are ellipsoidal, 30.0 × 18.4 (27.4-31.3 × 16.0-22.4) μm. Oocysts have a smooth wall 0.7 μm thick and lack both a micropyle and oocyst residuum, but 1 ellipsoidal polar granule is present, 2.3 × 1.9 (2.1-2.4 × 1.7-2.0) μm. Sporocysts have a nipple-like Stieda body with a rounded opposite end and are 14.0 × 7.1 (10.2-16.8 × 6.0-9.2) μm. The sporocysts contain a sporocyst residuum usually consisting of 2-4 dispersed globules, and each sporozoite contains 2 large posterior spheroid refractile bodies 3.4 μm wide. Nucleotide sequence amplified from the 18S rDNA does not match any DNA sequence information for publicly available Eimeria species, and phylogenetic reconstructions place this species with other eimerians from Galliformes. The discovery of a potentially pathogenic species of Eimeria in captive APCs is of great importance, and managers should be aware of the potential devastating effect(s) this parasite could have on the APC conservation programs.     

Isospora atrata N. Sp. (Apicomplexa, Eimeriidae): a New Coccidium Isolated from Carduelis atrata (Passeriformes, Fringillidae)

ABSTRACT Large numbers of coccidian oocysts belonging to the genus Isospora were obtained from the intestinal contents of 98 Carduelis atrata imported into Italy from South America during the months of August through December 1994. The oocysts are sub-spherical and average 21 × 20.3 μm (19.4–23.5 μm × 18.5–22 μm), have a bilayered wall, and an oval polar granule (rarely two). The sporocysts are elliptical and measure 18.8 μm × 10.3 μm (17.5–18.94 μm × 9.5–11.0 μm). The Stieda body protrudes slightly from the end of the sporocyst. A large sporocyst residuum is present, consisting of many granules that may be in a compact mass or scattered. Since this Isospora sp.does not resemble any other species of Isospora previously described from birds of the genus Carduelis , it has been named Isospora atrata n. sp. after the host. Disseminated asexual stages were found in mononuclear cells derived from formalin-fixed post mortem material, suggesting this coccidian may represent an Atoxoplasma -like parasite. Four coccidia-free Serinus canarius L. cohabitated for a long period (4 mo) with infected C. atrata but oocysts were never found in the stool of these birds.     

Isospora Normanlevinei N. Sp. and Isospora Coluzzii N. Sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) In Emberiza Cirlus (Cirl Bunting) (Passeriformes-Emberizidae)

ABSTRACT. The morphological characteristics of two new species of Isospora observed in Emberiza cirlus (Cirl Bunting) from Italy are reported. the oocysts of Isospora normanlevinei n. sp. are spherical or sub-spherical, with a smooth double-layered wall, and measure 24.2 times 23.7 (21.0-26.5 times 21.5-25.5) μm; each oocyst contains 2 to 10 polar granules. No micropyle or residuum was observed. the piriform sporocysts measure 19.4 times 11.2 (17.0-21.0 times 10.0-12.5) μm and contain a dispersed residuum. the Stieda body is flat; the substiedal body, with scattered clear and dark granules, may be either symmetrical or asymmetrical. the oocysts of I. coluzzii n. sp. are asymmetrical and rounded shape and measure 28.6 times 24.2 (25.0-31.5 times 21.5-26.0) μm. the oocyst has a double-layered wall and 2 to 3 polar granules. Neither micropyle nor residuum is present. the sub-ellipsoidal sporocyst, measuring 18.2 times 10.0(16.5-20.0 times 9.0-11.0) μm, has a dispersed sporocyst residuum. the Stieda complex is symmetrical.     

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)     

A new species of Caryospora (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the flathead snake, Tantilla gracilis (Ophidia: Colubridae), in southeastern Oklahoma

A single flathead snake, Tantilla gracilis , collected in early October 2010 from Choctaw County, Oklahoma, was found to harbor an undescribed species of Caryospora . Oocysts of Caryospora choctawensis n. sp. were spherical to subspherical, 15.8 × 15.0 (14-18 × 14-16) μm, with a thick, bilayered wall and a shape index (length∶width) of 1.1. A micropyle and an oocyst residuum were absent, but prominent Stieda and bubble-like sub-Stieda bodies were present as well as a bilobed polar granule near the oocyst wall. Sporocysts were ovoidal, 10.8 × 9.0 (10-12 × 8-9) μm, with a shape index of 1.2. The sporocyst residuum was spherical and composed of a cluster of granules often membrane-bound. This is the second time a caryosporan species has been reported from T. gracilis but the first coccidian ever described from a reptilian host in Oklahoma. Additional T. gracilis from Arkansas (n = 6), Oklahoma (n = 1), and Texas (n = 7) were examined, and a single specimen from Newton County, Arkansas harbored Caryospora gracilis Upton, McAllister, Trauth, and Bibb, 1992 , previously reported from T. gracilis collected in Arkansas and Texas.     

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.     

Two new eimerians (Apicomplexa) from insectivorous mammals in Madagascar

Fecal samples from 126 insectivorous mammals in Madagascar were collected between spring 1999 and fall 2001. In the Afrosoricida, 21 species in 5 genera were sampled, including 17 species of Microgale (31/96, 32% infected), Hemicentetes semispinosus (1/2, 50%), Oryzorictes hova (1/5, 20%), Setifer setosus (8/13, 61.5%), and Tenrec ecaudatus (5/8, 62.5%); in the Soricomorpha, only Suncus murinus was examined and 1/2 (50%) were infected. Two morphotypes of eimeriid oocysts, representing 2 presumptive new species, were found in 47 (37%) infected animals; only 2 afrosoricid hosts (2% of all hosts, 4% of infected hosts) had both oocyst morphotypes. Sporulated oocysts of the first morphotype, Eimeria tenrececaudata n. sp., are subspheroidal, 18.8 × 17.4 (17-22 × 15-20), with a length∶width ratio (L/W) of 1.1 (1.0-1.2); they lack a micropyle but may contain 0-2 polar granules and a single, small round oocyst residuum, 3 × 2.3. Sporocysts are lemon-shaped, 9.9 × 6.6 (9-11 × 5-8), with a L/W of 1.5 (1.2-2.0); they have a prominent, slightly flattened Stieda body and a substieda body but lack a parastieda body. The sporocyst residuum consists of only a few granules between the sporozoites, which are sausage-shaped and have a large posterior refractile body. Oocysts of the second morphotype, Eimeria setifersetosa n. sp. are spheroidal to subspheroidal, 30.1 × 28.6 (27-34 × 25-34), with a L/W of 1.1 (1.0-1.2); they lack both micropyle and oocyst residuum, but 1-2 polar granules are usually present. Sporocysts are subspheroidal to broadly ellipsoidal, 9.6 × 7.3 (9-11 × 6-8), with a L/W of 1.3 (1.1-1.7); they have a broad Stieda body, lack sub- and parastieda bodies, and have a residuum of a few granules scattered throughout the sporocyst. Sporozoites were not clearly defined, but what seemed to be a single large refractile body is seen, presumably in each sporozoite.     

Caryospora corallae n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Sporozoea, Eimeriidae) from the Emerald Tree Boa Corallus caninus (Serpentes: Boidae)

Oocysts of Caryospora corallae n. sp. were isolated from the feces of three Emerald Tree Boas Corallus caninus. The spherical oocysts of C. corallae averaged 22.4 μn (range 18.7 to 24.6) in diameter and were lacking a micropyle and oocyst residuum; a polar granule was present. The ovoid sporocysts measured 19.1(17.6-20.0) × 13.1(11.7-14.0) μm and a sporocyst residuum and a Stieda body were present. The oocyst wall was approximately 1 μm thick. The sporulation was completed in about 5–6 days at 23 ± 2°C. This is the first report of the genus Caryospora from Corallus caninus a member of the Boidae.     

Two new coccidia (Apicomplexa:Eimeriidae) from the green peacock (Pavo muticus) from Saudi Arabia

Two new species of Eimeria were found from faecal samples of ten green peacocks (Pavo muticus) collected at Al-Kharj area, a central region of Saudi Arabia. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria mutica n.sp. are ellipsoidal 23.1×17.4 (22.4–25.0×16.7–18.9) μm, with a smooth bilayered wall. A micropyle and bilobed polar body are present, but without an oocyst residuum. The sporocyst is an elongated-ovoid 13.7×6.2 (12.0–14.2×5.4–6.7) μm, with a Stieda body and a residuum. Sporulated oocysts of E. kharjensis n.sp. are subspherical 20.3×17.7 (19.0–21.5×16.2–18.7) μm, with a two layered wall and a single polar body. The micropyle is covered by a dome-shaped cap and the sporocyst is an elongate-ovoid 12.7×6.3 (11.9–13.5×5.4–6.8) μm, with a Stieda body. The sporocyst residuum is present as several small granules.     

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.     

Coccidian Parasites (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from Insectivores. II. Six New Species from Japanese Shrew Moles (Talpidae)1

ABSTRACT. 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 × 17.9(18-25 × 16-21) μm. Sporocysts were amorphous, gelatinoid envelopes 20.3 × 7.5 (17–24 × 7–9) μm. 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 × 24.4 (25–30 × 21–28) μm; a highly ornate outer oocyst wall gave the appearance of a ciliated ball. Sporocysts ovoid, pointed at both ends, were 17.0 × 9.0 (15–19 × 7–11) μm; this species was found in 4 of 45 (8.9%) U. talpoides. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria talpoidei n. sp. were asymmetrical ovoid, 20.6 × 13.3 (18–23 × 12–15) μm, with sporocysts lacrimiform, 12.0 × 5.8 (10–14 × 5–7) μm. This species was found in 7 of 45 (15.6%) U. talpoides. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria honshuensis n. sp. were ellipsoid, 15.5 × 11.4 (13–18 × 10–13) μm, with sporocysts ovoid, 9.1 × 5.2 (8–10 × 4–6) μm. 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 × 12.6 (13–17 × 11–13) μm, with sporocysts ellipsoid, 10.9 × 6.9 (10–13 × 6–8). This species was found in six of six D. pilirostris. Sporulated oocysts of Isospora urotrichi n. sp. were spheroid/subspheroid, 13.4 × 12.4 (11–16 × 9–14) μm, with sporocysts ovoid, 9.2 × 6.3 (8–11 × 5–7) μm. 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.     

Isospora petrochelidon sp. n. (Protozoa: Eimeriidae) from the Cliff Swallow, Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

SYNOPSIS. Isospora petrochelidon sp. n. (Protozoa: Eimeriidae) is described from the cliff swallow, Petrochelidon pyrrhonota , from Douglas County, Colorado. Oocysts were passed primarily between 4 and 9 p.m. Sporogony was completed by 24 hr in 3% aqueous potassium dichromate at 21–28 C. The ellipsoid to ovoid oocysts averaged 25.2 × 22.2 μm. The oocyst wall was smooth, colorless, and single-layered. The 2 polar granules were disc-shaped, each adjoining a sporocyst. The lemon-shaped sporocysts averaged 18.4 × 10.8 μm. There was no membrane enclosing the sporocyst residuum and sporozoites. Two fledgling Isospora -free swallows fed sporulated oocysts began passing them on day 4 and died with massive infections on day 5. Data from these birds indicate that schizogony occurred during nighttime hours, gametogony during the day. Endogeny was found throughout the intestine distal to the gizzard, with schizogony confined to the convoluted glands of the subvillar mucosa and gametogony to the villar epithelium. Sporocysts released from mechanically ruptured oocysts excysted in 2% pancreatin within 5 min. Sporulated oocysts fed to a pigeon squab, duckling and cockerel produced no infections.     

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 cicaki sp. n. and Isospora thavari sp. n. from the House Lizard Gehyra mutilata Boulenger in Malaysia*

SYNOPSIS. Oocysts and endogenous stages of new species of Eimeria and Isospora from the house lizard, Gehyra mutilata, are described. The ellipsoid to subspherical 2-layered oocysts of E. cicaki averaged 24.0 × 21.0 μm. Polar granules are present. Micropyle and oocyst residuum are absent. Ellipsoid sporocysts average 12.2 × 9.0 μm. A sporocyst residuum is present, but the Stieda body is absent. Endogenous stages are in epithelial cells of the small intestine. The subspherical single-layered oocysts of I. thavari average 23.8 × 22.8 μm. The polar granule is present; micropyle and oocyst residuum are absent. Ellipsoid sporocysts average 12.8 × 9.4 μm. Stieda body and sporocyst residuum are present. There are endogenous stages in epithelial cells of the small intestine.