Received: August 10, 2007.

Accepted: December 5, 2007.

Abstract published online: December 7, 2007.

Full paper published online: August 31, 2008.

NEW REPORTS ON PARASITISM BY Haplometroides buccicola

(DIGENEA, PLAGIORCHIIDAE) IN BRAZILIAN SNAKES

SANTOS KR (1), BARRELLA TH (2), ZICA EOP (2), SILVA RJ (3)

(1) Graduate Program in Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Medicine and Animal Husbandry School, São Paulo State University, UNESP, São Paulo State, Brazil; (2) Graduate Program in General and Applied Biology, Botucatu Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University, UNESP, São Paulo State, Brazil; (3) Department of Parasitology, Botucatu Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University, UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil.

ABSTRACT: The occurrence of Haplometroides buccicola (Digenea, Plagiorchiidae) in the esophagus of two Brazilian snakes is reported in the present study. The trematodes were collected from one Micrurus corallinus (Elapidae) and one Phalotris lativittatus (Colubridae); both snakes were found in Botucatu city, São Paulo State, Brazil. Morphological and morphometric analyses of the trematodes are presented. For the first time Micrurus corallinus has been recorded as a host for H. buccicola and this is the second time that P. lativittatus has been reported as a host for this trematode species.  

KEY WORDS: Haplometroides buccicola, Plagiorchiidae, Phalotris lativittatus, Micrurus corallinus, snakes.  

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST: There is no conflict.

CORRESPONDENCE TO:

REINALDO J. SILVA, Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Distrito de Rubião Júnior, 18618-000, Botucatu, SP, Brasil. Phone: +55 14 38116239. Fax: +55 14 38153744. Email: reinaldo@ibb.unesp.br.