Keys to the Cestode Parasites of Vertebrates


Book Description

Most previous publications on the classification of tapeworms (cestodes) have been based on compilations from the literature and are now dated. Thus there is a real need for up-to-date keys based on the re-examination of specimens and on a re-evaluation of the characters employed in cestode taxonomy. This book fulfils this need and provides keys to enable specialists and non-specialists to identify cestodes to generic level. The keys are dichotomous and are based largely on morphological characters. The authors have re-examined many specimens, including type specimens where possible. As a result, the keys reflect new ideas and have lead to reappraisals of cestode taxonomy, particularly at family and generic level, with many reallocations and synonymies. The authors include 19 international authorities from the UK, USA, Australia, Brazil, France, Norway, Italy, Switzerland, Poland, Bulgaria and the Ukraine. The book includes approximately 1,700 illustrations and is a standard work on tapeworm identification and will be indispensable for parasitologists.




Planetary Biodiversity Inventory (2008-2017)


Book Description

This document is organized into 22 peer-reviewed chapters. Each of the chapters focuses on an individual cestode group, begins with the status of knowledge of the group prior to the inception of the PBI project, and ends with an assessment of the current understanding of the group. In each case, diversity, classification, morphology, phylogenetic relationships, host associations, and geographic distribution are addressed. In all but one case, each chapter includes a list of valid taxa. Synonyms have not generally been listed; this was determined to be beyond the scope of the project given the immensity of such lists for some groups. With over 3,000 valid species, the generation of a list of species for the Cyclophyllidea was also determined to be beyond the scope of this project. However, a list of valid higher taxa is provided. Each of the 19 cestode orders is addressed alphabetically in separate chapters with two exceptions. The Mesocestoididae are treated as a family in the Cyclophyllidea. Although evidence supporting recognition of the former as an independent order is mounting, the case remains to be formally made based on more detailed investigations of this enigmatic group of mammal parasites. The Onchoproteocephalidea are the second exception. So as to emphasize the dual nature of the host associations and scolex morphology of its members, the freshwater fish-parasitizing taxa (formerly assigned to the order Proteocephalidea) are treated in a chapter as the Onchoproteocephalidea I separately from the taxa that parasitize elasmobranchs, which are treated as the Onchoproteocephalidea II. Use of quotation marks around taxon names (e.g., the order "Tetraphyllidea") is to remind readers of the definitively non-monophyletic nature of these groups.




Updated Status Report on the Spotted Sucker, Minytrema Melanops, in Canada


Book Description

The spotted sucker, Minytrema melanops, is a medium sized catostomid fish that ranges through much of central and eastern North America but is rare in Canada, known only from the drainages of Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair. This report summarizes new information on the species in Canada following its assignment as a vulnerable species in 1983. Information is included on the fish's geographic distribution, protection status, and population size and trends. Concludes with an evaluation of the future of the species in Canada. A list of collection localities is appended.