A new trematode of the genus Lechriorchis from the dark green snake (Zamenis gemonensis) / by Marie V. Lebour.

  • Lebour, Marie Victoria, 1876-1971.
Date:
1913
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: A new trematode of the genus Lechriorchis from the dark green snake (Zamenis gemonensis) / by Marie V. Lebour. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The Royal College of Surgeons of England. The original may be consulted at The Royal College of Surgeons of England.

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    [/'po))i the Proceedings OP the Zoological Society of London, 1913.] [Published December 1913.] A New Trematode of the Gfeiiiis Lechriorchis from the Dark Gfreen Snake (^Zamenis gemonensis). By Marie V. Lebour, M.Sc., Assistant Lecturer and Demonstrator in Zoology, Leeds University *. (Plate XCIII.t) Index. Page Ethology ! A new species of Trematode in the hodj> cavity of Zamenis gemonensis 933 Geographical Zoology: Southern Europe; Zamenis gemonensis, a new Trematode from the bod_y- cavity 933 Sy.stematic: Lechriorchis inermis, sp. n„ from the hody-ca.\ity oi Zamenis gemonensis 933-936 On June 10th, 1913, a specimen of a Dark Green Snake {^Zamenis gernonensis), from Southern Europe, died in the Zoolo- gical Society’s Gardens, and loose in the body-qavity were a large number of Trematodes which were sent to me for identification. These prove to be a new species of Lechriorchis Stafford closely related to L. validus Nieoll (1911). The habitat is interesting as all the Trematodes of the group which includes Lechriorchis whose habitat is known, occur in the air-passages, pharynx, or anterior p.art of the oesophagus of their hosts. This appears to be the first time that one of this grouji has been found occupying the body-cavity. An interesting feature in the new species is the absence of spines on the body. The cuticle is quite smooth, unlike any of the other members of the genus. However, in some specimens spines can be seen below the surface of the cuticle, but not reaching to the outside, which seems to indicate a gradual dis- appearance of spines owing to the worm living in the body-cavity of its host, and therefore being in no danger of getting swept away as is the case in open passages. In all other ways it agrees closely with the other members of the genus. On account of the absence of spines I propose for this new species the name Lechriorchis inermis. Lechriorchis inermis, sp, n, (PI, XCIII,) Length of body 5-10 mm. Oral sucker 0'40-0’60 mm, Ventral sucker 0-60-0-92 mm. Average ratio of oral to ventral sucker 2 : 3. Prepharynx small, oesopbagus the same length as phaiynx. Intestinal cseca reaching a good way beyond testes, * Communicated by tlie Secuet.^ry. t For explanation of the Plate see p. 936. [Jj