Dictymetra sp., Clark, 1952

Mariaux, Jean & Georgiev, Boyko B., 2018, Seven new species of cestode parasites (Neodermata, Platyhelminthes) from Australian birds, European Journal of Taxonomy 440, pp. 1-42 : 27

Dictymetra sp.

Material examined

AUSTRALIA: Queensland, Redland Bay, 27°39′ S, 153°19′ E, date unknown, Matthews (?) leg., fragments from 2 specs (AHC 35795, AHC 35796).

Host

Burhinus grallarius (Latham, 1802) ( Charadriiformes , Burhinidae ).

Site of infection

Small intestine.

Description

Despite its similarity with the above described new species, this material probably belongs to another congeneric species. The available mounted specimens do not however allow for a detailed description. From the single scolex and few fragments available, the hook arrangement is similar to that of D. longiuncinata but hooks are somewhat larger (about 145 long). The rostellar sac (320 × 140) and rostellum (270 × 90) are smaller. It also has a cirrus armed with long setae but has a higher number of testes, i.e., 29–45 (37, n = 12) – and a smaller cirrus-sac, 107–113 × 25–28 (110 × 27, n = 4). It most probably belongs to Dictymetra but additional fresh material is obviously needed to confirm its status.