Some Observations on Cestodes of the Genus Paranoplocephala Luehe, Parasitic in North American Voles (Microtus Spp.)

Authors

Robert Rausch, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
Everett L. Schiller, University of Wisconsin, Madiso

Date of this Version

1949

Citation

Proceedings of the Helminthological Society of Washington, v. 16, no. 1 (1949)

Comments

Used by permission

Abstract

Although cestodes of the genus Paranoplocephala Luehe, 1910, are common parasites of voles and certain other rodents in North America, their taxonomic status to the present time has been much confused. It is the purpose of this paper to clarify the situation in regard to those species parasitic in voles of the genus Microtus Schrank.

While certain of the cestodes considered here occur in hosts of other microtine genera, they are by far more abundant in the various species of Mi· crotus. At least two are also common in geomyid rodents. With the possible exception of Paranoplocephala brevis Kirschenblatt, 1938, discussed further below, none of the North American species has been recorded from Eurasian rodents.