Parasitology, Harold W. Manter Laboratory of
Date of this Version
6-1975
Abstract
Twenty-one species of platyhelminth parasites are reported from 8 species of turtles collected in Nebraska. Two species of spirorchiids are reported as new. Vasotrema brevitestis sp. n. from Trionyx muticus and T. spiniferus differs from V. amydae Stunkard, 1926, in possessing a relatively shorter, more compact testis, postcecal length equal to one-fifth the body length, a cirrus sac which does not extend to the opposite cecum, and vitellaria composed of discrete follicles more restricted in distribution. Hapalorhynchus foliorchis sp. n. from Chelydra serpentina differs from H. gracilis Stunkard, 1922, in possessing a narrower oral sucker and larger acetabulum, a prominent esophageal constriction, smaller ovary and larger, irregular testes, postcecal space equal to one-sixth the body length, and ventrally oriented uterus. Five other species, Allassostomoides chelydrae, Diarmastorchis blandingi, Vasotrema amydae, V. attenuatum, and Ophiotaenia testudo, are reported for the first time since their description. Nineteen species are reported from Nebraska for the first time. New host records are Trionyx muticus for Vasotrema attenuatum and V. robustum and Graptemys pseudogeographica (Gray) for Allassostomoides chelydrae.
Comments
Published in the Journal of Parasitology (June 1975) 61(3): 403-406. Copyright 1975, the American Society of Parasitologists. Used by permission.