Three new Microphallid Trematodes from Tasmanian Birds

Abstract

The morphology of Atriophallophorus coxiellae n.sp., Matritrema calvertensis n.sp., and Microphallus tasmaniae n.sp. (Trematoda: Microphallidae) is described. The description of A. coxiellae is based on metacercariae found encysted in the hepatopancreas and gonads of the brackish water snail Coxiella badgerensis Johnston 1878. Adult, but sexually immature, trematodes taken from the small intestine of the dotterels Charadrius cucullatus Vieillot and Charadrius ruficapillus Temminck, which feed on Coxiella badgerensis, are considered identical with the metacercariae from the snail. The account of Maritrema calvertensis n.sp. is based on adult trematodes found in the lower intestine, caeca, and rectum of the duck, Anas castanea Eyton, and dotterels Charadrius cucullatus and C. melanops Vieillot. From a comparison of metacercariae taken from certain small cysts found in the alnphipod Austrochiltonia australis Sayce 1901, and also in the alimentary tract of the birds, it is assumed that the amphipod is an intermediate host. The description of Microphallus tasmaniae n.sp. is based on adult trematodes found in the intestine, caeca and rectum of Anas castanea and the dotterels Charadrius cucullatus, C. melanops and C. ruficapillus. Certain large cysts found in the amphipod Austrochiltonia australis, and also in the gut of the birds infected with Microphallus tasmaniae n. sp., contained metacercariae almost identical with the adult. It is therefore assumed that the amphipod is an intermediate host of M. tasmaniae n.sp. The definitive and intermediate hosts of the trematodes described were all taken at Calverts Lagoon, Tasmania.