Some observations on the structure and life-history of Cercaria andhraensis N. Sp.(Trematoda: Echinostomatidae) from the apple snailPila globosa swainson of waltair

Abstract

The morphology, anatomy and stages in life-history of Cercaria andhraensis n.sp. from the apple snailPila globosa Swainson of Waltair have been described.C. andhraensis has 33 spines which are inconspicuous in the cercaria but are clearly seen in the metacercaria occurring in the snail host itself. The anatomy of the cercarial tail is given in detail. Differences in the tegument of the body and the tail are indicated. The tail tegument more clearly gives the impression that the so-called tegument of trematodes is a modified epidermis. It is suggested that the cercaria and the metacercaria may one day prove to be the stages of either Echinostoma govindum Moghe, 1932, or E. crecci Verma, 1936.