Family Microscaphidiidae Looss, 1900

Abstract

[Extract] The family Microscaphidiidae Looss, 1900 comprises medium to large monostome digeneans of the superfamily Microscaphiclioidea Looss, 1900 found in the digestive tracts of marine and freshwater chelonians and teleosts. Distinctive features include the absence of a typical cirrus-sac (discussed below), the presence of a reticular excretory system and a system of lymphatic ducts distinct from the excretory system (not known for all species). Most species have a muscular swelling at the proximal end of the oesophagus. Features seen in some species include pharyngeal sacs arising from the posterior end of the pharynx, a rosette of small diverticula surrounding the terminal excretory duct immediately proximal to the excretory pore, distinctive bodies on the margins or papillae (possibly glands) on the ventral surface of the body and a distinct notch at the posterior end (often due to the presence of posterolateral projections). The vertebrate hosts of microscaphidiids are frequently herbivorous or omnivorous.