The Coccidia (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) of Anura, with descriptions of four new species

Abstract

Four new species of Coccidia (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) are described from anurans from Texas and Arkansas, U.S.A. Oocysts of Eimeria flexuosa sp.n. were found in Pseudacris streckeri streckeri and are irregular in shape, long axis 17.0 (15.2–19.2) μm (mean, range), with a thin, flexible wall. Micropyle and oocyst residuum absent; polar granule present. Sporocysts ovoid, 10.3 × 7.3 (9.6–12.0 × 6.4–8.0) μm, with Stieda body and sporocyst residuum. Oocysts of Eimeria streckeri sp.n. were also found in P. s. streckeri and are spherical or subspherical, 18.8 × 18.7(16.8–21.5 × 16.8–20.8) μm, with a thin wall. Micropyle and polar granule absent; oocyst residuum present. Sporocysts ovoid, 11.1 × 7.7 (9.6–12.8 × 7.2–8.8) μm, with Stieda body and sporocyst residuum. Oocysts of Isospora delicatus sp.n. were found in P. s. streckeri and Pseudacris streckeri illinoensis and are spherical or subspherical, 15.8 × 15.7(12.8–16.8 × 12.8–16.8) μm, and have a thin wall. Micropyle, oocyst residuum, and polar granule absent. Sporocysts ovoid, 13.5 × 8.0(11.2–14.8 × 7.2–9.6) μm, with Stieda body and diffuse sporocyst residuum. Oocysts of Isospora fragosum sp.n. were recovered from Gastrophryne olivacea and are spherical, 18.5 (16.8–20.8) μm, and have a thin wall that ruptures easily. Micropyle, polar granule, and oocyst residuum absent. Sporocysts ovoid, 12.7 × 10.9 (11.2–14.4 × 9.6–12.0) μm, lacking Stieda and substieda bodies; large sporocyst residuum present.