The development of the tegument and cercomer of the polycephalic larvae (cercoscolices) ofParicterotaenia paradoxa(Rudolphi, 1802) (Cestoda: Dilepididae) at the ultrastructural level

Abstract

SUMMARYThe development of the tegument and cercomer ofParicterotaenia paradoxapolycephalic larvae was examined using electron microscopy. Larvae are formed by budding from the inner surface of the tegument of the degenerating hexacanth embryo. A new secondary tegument formed around the larvae is probably produced from the original hexacanth sub-tegumental cells. Microvilli covering the surface of young larvae are converted directly into microtriches, as the larvae develop, by addition of electron-dense material to the proximal part of the microvillus. Remnants of the original microvillus are visible at the distal surface of each new microthrix, but they eventually degenerate. The cercomer homologue is represented by scattered follicular cells, bearing microvilli, lying just within the containing cyst wall. The continuity of tegumentary tissue from one developmental stage to the next is discussed.