Notes on the Life History of Aspidogaster conchicola Baer, 1826 (Trematoda; Aspidogastridae)

Abstract

The presence of Aspidogaster conchicola in the Netherlands has not been previously reported.Regarding the relationship between the parasite and its host, the following observations have been made:1. Infection of a new host with embryonated eggs of Aspidogaster conchicola gave positive results. A possible mode of infection via the nephridiopore is suggested.2. The larvae apparently remain in the renal cavities of the host until they mature, when they move into the pericardium.3. The larvae's development to maturity took at least three months at an average temperature of 18°C.4. Visible damage to the host is confined to a deformation of the epithelium where the haptor (ventral sucker) is attached.