Studies on Larval Digenetic Trematodes of Godavari River, Gangapur Project : Xiphidiocercariae

Abstract

The earlier work on the snails and cercariae of this region was carried out by Karyakarte and Yadav( 1974 to 1979 under PL-480 Project on ”Control of Molluscan Agents of Helminth Parasites of Agricultural and Veterinary Importance” (Project No. A 7-ADP-39). The account of their finding was published in the year 1981. They examined 8 species of snails viz , Viviparous bengalensis, Melanoids tuberculatus, Melanus scabra, Lymnea acumulata , Lymnea luteola, Lymnea auricularia, Indoplanorbis exustus, Anisus (Gyrulus) convexiusculus. Out of these 8 species, they reported cercarial infection in 6 species of snails and 2 species, M. scabra and V. bengalensis were free from larval infection. Their work included description of 11 species of fresh water cercariae belonging to Monostome, Amphistome and Distome groups. The work on larval trematodes was further continued in this region in the Trematology Laboratory. Present paper deals with two species of freshwater cercariae which belong to Xiphidio cercariae. The group xiphidio cercariae having a piercing spine or stylet in the oral region is represented here with two different types of cercariae. The cercariae are abundant during the period between December and May in the hepatopancreas and gonads of the snails occurring in Nashik region. The collection is mainly from the snails Lymnea Luteola and Melania tuberculata The snails were collected at Gangapur project ( Water reservoir ) Godavari river, Darna river, Waldevi river, Girnare, ponds and ditches around Godavari river. The cellulosa group is represented hereby two cercariae a known Cercariae indicae LVII sewell, 1922 and a new Cercaria disciforma n.sp.