The Identity of the Australian Lymnaeid Snail Host of Fasciola hepatica L. and its Response to Environment

Abstract

The taxonomic literature on the Australian Lymnaeidae is reviewed, with reference to the names used for Australian snail groups. The three generic names based on Australian type species are all considered to be synonyms of Lymnaea Lamarck. The specific names are discussed and new synonymies are given as a result of a comparison of type material, laboratory breeding experiments, and field observations. It is concluded that there is only one species which acts as the intermediate host for Fasciola hepatica L., in both Australia and New Zealand, and that its correct name is Lymnaea tomentosa (Pfeiffer, 1855).