Studies on the adult and metacercaria of Holostephanus lühei Szidat, 1936

Abstract

The metacercaria of Holostephanus lühei Szidat (1936) is described together with comments on both its linear and tissue distribution within the host (Gasterosteus aculeatus L.), host-parasite reaction and numbers of cysts in relation to the size of the fish.The adult of Holostephanus lühei Szidat (1936) (syn. H. bursiformis Szidat, 1936) obtained experimentally from the duck and pigeon, is re-described in detail. It is noted that this species is amphitypic and it is suggested that H. dubius (Szidat, 1936) (syn. Cyanocotyloides Dubius, Szidat, 1936) should be reduced to synonymy with H. lühei.Grateful acknowledgement is expressed to Dr G. Dubois for his interest, advice and valuable opinions given in connexion with this study.