Monoecocestus thomasi sp. n. (Cestoda: Anoplocephalidae) from the Northern Flying Squirrel, Glaucomys sabrinus (Shaw), in Oregon

Authors

Robert L. Rausch, University of WashingtonFollow
C. Maser, University of Puget Sound

Date of this Version

10-1977

Comments

Published in the Journal of Parasitology (October 1977) 63(5): 793-799. Copyright 1977, the American Society of Parasitologists. Used by permission.

Abstract

Monoecocestus thomasi sp. n. (Cestoda: Anoplocephalidae), from the northern flying squirrel, Glaucomys sabrinus (Shaw), in Oregon, is described and distinguished from its congeners. Monoecocestus thomasi is the sixth species of Monoecocestus to be described from nearctic rodents, and the first from a member of the family Sciuridae. Our comparisons of taxonomic characters of the nominal species of Monoecocestus in North American rodents have shown that M. giganticus Buhler 1970 is a synonym of M. americanus (Stiles 1895), both from the porcupine, Erethizon dorsatum (Linnaeus). Insemination in Monoecocestus spp. is discussed, with the conclusion that it takes place only by way of the vagina in early immature segments.