Abnormalities in adult digeneans, with special reference to Phyllodistomum umblae (Fabricius) (Platyhelminthes, Gorgoderidae)

• Published in: Zoologica Scripta
• Main Author: BAKKE, TOR A.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 1988
• Subjects: Genetics; Molecular Biology; Animal Science and Zoology; Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics; Arctic; Norway; Nordmarka; Salvelinus alpinus
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1463-6409.1988.tb00089.x; https://api.wiley.com/onlinelibrary/tdm/v1/articles/10.1111%2Fj.1463-6409.1988.tb00089.x; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1463-6409.1988.tb00089.x

During examination of a large sample of Phyllodistomum umblae from Arctic char, Salvelinus alpinus , in Lake Tokke (Drangedal, type locality) and Lake Katnosa (Nordmarka, vicinity of Oslo), Norway, several abnormalities were found in the adult specimens. The paper describes the abnormal cases recovered and gives a systematized review of abnormal digeneans reported in the literature. Different terms used in digenean teratology and morphology are also discussed and defined. Abnormal cases occur in P. umblae with regard to the dimensions of specific structures (caeca, ovary, oötype, seminal vesicle, testes, uterus, vitellarium) and in the numbers of ovaries and testes. Polymorphism in testes position was observed and obstructions of the reproductive organs were evident. The size variability of the seminal vesicle and ovary and variable appearance of the vitelline bodies are demonstrated.