Ascaridoid nematodes of amphibians and reptiles: Polydelphis, Travassosascaris n.g. and Hexametra

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe ascaridoid nematodes with more than two uterine branches, which occur in snakes and lizards, are grouped into three genera: (1) Polydelphis (without interlabia, with four uterine branches) containing the type species, P. anoura, occuring in Old World Pythons, with P. brachycheilos as a species dubium. (2) Travassosascaris, a new genus with interlabia and with four uterine branches, with type species T. araujoi (new name for P. quadrangularis (Schneider) of Araujo, 1969) occuring in New World rattlesnakes. (3) Hexametra, (without interlabia, with six uterine branches) containing species in lizards and snakes. In lizards, H. hexametra (type species), H. applanata, H.angusticaecoides and H. rotundicaudata are tentatively differentiated. In snakes, two Hexametra species are tentatively differentiated: (1) H. boddaertii (with three synonyms) in New World pit vipers and colubrids; (2) H. quadricornis (with twenty-two synonyms) in Old World viperids, elapids and colubrids. The morphology, host range, geographical distribution, development and harmful effects of these species are discussed.