Acanthocephala

Thorny-headed worms

Variability in Acanthocephalus parksidei Amin, 1974 (Acanthocephala: Echinorhynchidae).

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1975
Authors:O. M. Amin
Journal:J Parasitol
Volume:61
Issue:2
Pagination:307-17
Date Published:1975 Apr
ISSN:0022-3395
Keywords:Acanthocephala, Animals, Female, Fishes, Genetic Variation, Male, Trout
Abstract:

Acanthocephalus parksidei Amin, 1974, was recently described from 11 species of Wisconsin fishes. Considerable variation was observed in this acanthocephalan's body size, number and arrangement of proboscis hook, size of hooks, proboscis, proboscis receptacle, lemnisci, embryos, testes, and cement glands, and number of the latter two. Most of these variations were related to worm sex and age as well as host species. Structural variations in the shape and lobation of lemnisci, abnormalities in hooks and body wall, and changes associated with monorchidism in males were noted. The significance of the erection of this new taxon in relation to the taxonomic criteria applied to acanthocephalan species is discussed.

Alternate Journal:J. Parasitol.
Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith