A review of the species of Dinobothrium (Cestoda), with a description of a new species

Abstract

A critical review is presented of the species of Dinobothrium and their probable synonyms. D. septaria v. Beneden and D. planum Linton are accepted as valid species. D. keilini Sproston and D. plicitum Linton are regarded as of doubtful status, the former being probably a synonym of D. septaria, while D. plicitum may be a synonym of D. planum. The type-specimens of D. keilini and of D. paciferum Sproston have been re-examined. A new interpretation is offered of the structure of the scolex of D. paciferum, and some other details of its anatomy are redescribed. A small species from Cetorhinus maximus is described, which is very similar to, and may prove to be identical with, Dinobothrium paciferum. As it apparently differs in having the neck and parts of the bothria covered with spines, it is treated as a distinct species and named D. spinosum. The question of the specific identity of the known larval forms of Dinobothrium is briefly discussed.