Polystoma vernonin. sp. (Monogenea: Polystomatidae) from the sharp nosed grass frogPtychadena oxyrhynchus(Smith, 1849) in South Africa

Abstract

AbstractPolystoma vernoni(Polystomatidae) is a new species in the urinary bladder ofPtychadena oxyrhynchusin KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa.Ptychadenais a true African species and the 49 currently known species in Africa harbour 11 polystome parasites.Ptychadena oxyrhynchushas an extensive distribution through Africa and harboursPolystoma prudhoeiin West Africa. This new parasite differs significantly fromP. prudhoei. The new species is distinguished by its long body relative to its haptor length, its unique shape and its ratio of marginal hooklets. In a sample of 13 frogs, 53.8% were infected with up to 18 parasites per host (mean intensity 4.86).