The tegumental surface of Phyllodistomum conostomum (Olsson, 1876) (Digenea), revealed by scanning electron microscopy

The external surface of P. conostomum is characterized by relatively large ridges encircling the anterior part of the worm at regular intervals. On the posterior part depressions on the ventral side at regular intervals and relatively small ridges on the dorsal side are present. Ventroposteriorally cobblestone-like protuberances observed are arranged in longitudinal rows. No corresponding arrangement was found dorsally. Only domed papillae (with and without a central knob) were observed, tentatively identified as sensory organs. The regular pattern of these papillae on the ventral and oral sucker is described, in addition to their arrangement ventrally and at the anterior end. A frontal pit anterior of oral suckers and a notch at the posterior end are figured and briefly described. No spines were observed on the body tegument.