Research Note Microhabitat Use of Two Brachylaimid Trematodes in Terrestrial Gastropod Second Intermediate Hosts

摘要

Microhabitat use of metacercariae of Panopistus pricei and Brachylaima thompsoni in 2 terrestrial gastropods, Neohelix albolabris and Webbhelix multilineata, was studied. Metacercariae of both species were found in the kidney proper, as commonly reported, but over half were located in the reflected part of the ureter (primary ureter); no metacercaria was found in the pericardium. Brachylaimid trematodes use terrestrial gastropods as both first and second intermediate hosts. In the second intermediate host, metacercariae of brachy-laimids develop and reside within the kidney or the pericardium or both, depending on the species. Because of the physical closeness of renal and cardiac structures in terrestrial snails, gross dissections of these organs reveals only gross patterns of microhabitat use. During a study on host use of brachylaimid trematodes, new details of microhabitat use in 2 species, Panopistus pricei and Brachylaima thompsoni, were revealed. These details are reported herein.