Additional information on the morphology of the Elaphostrongylinae (Nematoda: Protostrongylidae) of North American Cervidae

Abstract

The morphology of elaphostrongyline nematodes occurring in North American Cervidae was examined using light and scanning-electron microscopy. The genus Parelaphostrongylus, which includes P. tenuis, P. odocoilei, and P. andersoni, is a morphologically similar group. The shaft of the spicules gives off a dorsal branch that extends to the tip; a membrane spans the shaft and the branch. The corpus of the gubernaculum has a dorsal groove and crurae are present. Protuberances associated with the cloaca of males and a papilliform projection at the tip of the female tail are seen in all three species. The morphology of Elaphostrongylus rangiferi, as described here, agrees with previous studies. Possible functions of the copulatory and associated structures are discussed.