Systematic position of the enigmatic Quentinia mesovitellinica (Rêgo, 1967) (Cestoda, Cyclophyllidea)

Abstract

Summary The systematic position of Quentinia mesovitellinica (Rêgo, 1967) (Cestoda, Cyclophyllidea) from the hystricomorph rodent Galea spixii (Wagler) (Caviidae) in Brazil is reevaluated based on published information. Quentinia mesovitellinica is generally thought to belong to the family Catenotaeniidae, being thus the only catenotaeniid cestode parasitizing hystricomorph rodents and also the only catenotaeniid in South America. However, the present study shows that Q. mesovitellinica differs fundamentally from Catenotaenia Janicki, 1904 sensu lato and other catenotaeniids with respect to several morphologic features, but shares these features with Monoecocestus Beddard, 1914 sensu Beveridge (1994), a genus in the family Anoplocephalidae sensu stricto (i.e. sensu Spasskii, 1951). However, Q. mesovitellinica is not assigned here to Monoecocestus, because the latter is a morphologically heterogeneous genus and will probably be split when subjected to a comprehensive phylogenetic and taxonomic analysis. Instead, Quentinia Spasskii, 1969 is considered a valid genus in the family Anoplocephalidae s. s. The morphologically closely related Monoecocestus eljefe Haverkost & Gardner, 2010 from Galea musteloides Meyen in Bolivia is assigned to Quentinia as Q. eljefe (Haverkost & Gardner, 2010) n. comb. An amended diagnosis is provided for Quentinia.