On some British Larval Cestodes from Land and Fresh-water Invertebrate Hosts

Abstract

Ten larval Cestodes, eight from aquatic and two from terrestrial hosts, have been described. Of these, eight species are new, and in the case of Cysticercus “A,” both larva and adult are new. By direct animal experiment the life-histories of three forms have been definitely established, while by careful comparison of the hooks of the scolex two larvae have been related to known adults. Cysticercus Hymenolepidis setigerae, previously recorded only from Copepods, is described here from an Ostracod host.Effect of the parasite on the host. It is difficult to estimate the effect of Cestode larvae parasitic in Invertebrata, especially in the smaller forms such as the Entomostraca. In the latter, I have found that the intestine and musculature suffer most, and that the reproductive organs remain unattacked. The same remarks also hold for Oligochaete hosts. Dady (1901) considers that the influence of these cystic stages on their hosts is considerable, particularly on the musculature, sexual organs and intestine, and that death of the host may follow. Lindner (1921) states that little or no harm is done to Ostracods by the presence of tapeworm larvae, and also that the ovary of the female remains unattacked. The same author considers that, among the Entomostraca, destruction of the intestine occurs only in Copepods, the body cavity of Ostracods being so roomy that a harming of the intestine by growth of the parasite is unlikely. Schmidt (1894) finds that for Cysticercus Hymenolepidis anatinae, the host, Cypris ovata, was not particularly affected.