The life histories of Proterometra albacauda and Proterometra septimae, spp. n. (Trematoda: Azygiidae) and a redescription of Proterometra catenaria Smith, 1934

TitleThe life histories of Proterometra albacauda and Proterometra septimae, spp. n. (Trematoda: Azygiidae) and a redescription of Proterometra catenaria Smith, 1934
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication1967
AuthorsAnderson MG, Anderson FM
JournalJournal of Parasitology
Volume53
Pagination31-37
KeywordsTREMATODES
Abstract

Two new species of azygiid trematodes of the genus Proterometra are described and assigned the names P. albacauda and P. septimae. Both species were first found as furcocystocercous cercariae emergent from the snail Goniobasis catenaria collected near Marianna, Florida. In view of the close similarity of P. septimae to P. catenaria and the inadequacy of the original description, the latter species is redescribed. Cercariae of P. albacauda are readily distinguished from all others by the pure white color, shape, and size of the tail stem; those of P. septimae by their cylindrical shape, size, and curled furcae. Cercariae of each were fed to uninfected sunfish (Lepomis gibbosus L.) and infections of adult worms were established. The adults are not strikingly different from other members of the genus, but some constantly differing features are observable. The validity of species distinguished primarily by cercarial (larval) differences is discussed.