Chemical Composition and Acaricidal Activity of Essential Oil of Lavandula dentata L. on Engorged Females of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Acari: Ixodidae).

PURPOSE: Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus is one the most significant ectoparasite in cattle farming in tropical and subtropical regions, causing problems to livestock health worldwide. The control of this ectoparasite primarily relies on the use of synthetic acaricides. However, the emergence of acaricide resistance has stimulated the search for new control alternatives, including phytocompounds with acaricidal and insecticidal potential. The aim of this study was to evaluate the acaricidal potential of Lavandula dentata essential oil against the engorged females of R. (B.) microplus. METHODS: Engorged females were obtained from infested bovines in dairy farms in Pernambuco, Brazil. L. dentata essential oil was extracted, and adult immersion test assays were performed using the following oil concentrations: 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, 0.8%, and 1%. RESULTS: L. dentata essential oil at a concentration of 1% was lethal to all engorged females, and concentrations of 0.6% and 0.8% caused mortality of 98.6% and 99.1%, respectively. These concentrations disrupted the reproductive capacity of engorged females, reducing oviposition by more than 90% and preventing egg hatching by over 87%. CONCLUSION: The data revealed that L. dentata essential oil possesses effective pharmacological properties against R. (B.) microplus and could be used for tick control following in vivo evaluation, thus contributing to mitigating the negative impacts of synthetic acaricide use.

Transversotrema hafniensis n. sp. infection in Poecilia reticulata by cercariae released from Melanoides tuberculata in Denmark.

BACKGROUND: Exotic and ornamental fish are highly popular companion animals resulting in a significant transcontinental trade of fish, invertebrates and aquatic plants. A major issue is the diseases associated with these organisms, as they have a major impact on health of the fish in both public and private household aquaria. A secondary issue is the trade with these products, which potentially may expand the distribution area and spread a range of diseases to new habitats. RESULTS: We here describe how Poecilia reticulata (guppy), produced in a private household aquarium, were invaded by cercariae of an exotic trematode released by imported Melanoides tuberculata snails. The fish presented with severe clinical signs (tremor, flashing, scraping of body against objects). A standard parasitological examination and morphometric identification showed scale pocket infections with a digenean trematode species within the genus Transversotrema. Molecular identification by PCR, sequencing and phylogenetic analyses of a 2646 bp sequence encoding ribosomal RNA (partial 18 S, ITS1, 5.8 S, ITS2, partial 28 S) was performed. The 1107 bp sequence of mitochondrial DNA (cox1) showed that the parasite differed from previously described Transversotrema species in M. tuberculata. Morphometrics of adult and larval specimens of this isolate also differed from previously described freshwater species within the genus. The new species was described and is named after Copenhagen, for its geographic origin. CONCLUSIONS: The genus Transversotrema comprises a range of species, adapted to a microhabitat in scalepockets of teleosts. A combination of morphological and molecular characterization techniques has been shown to provide a good differentiation between species. The fish were not purchased from a pet shop but produced in the home aquarium. This indicated that an infection pressure existed in the aquarium, where the source of infection was found to be exotic intermediate host snails M. tuberculata, which originally were imported and purchased from a pet shop. The potential spread of fish diseases associated with trade of fish and snails to new geographic regions, where climate conditions are favourable, is discussed.

INFLUENCE OF GROOMING ON PERMANENT ARTHROPOD ASSOCIATES OF BIRDS: CATTLE EGRETS, LICE, AND MITES.

Birds have a diverse community of "permanent" arthropods that complete their entire life cycle on the body of the host. Because some of these arthropods are parasites that reduce host fitness, birds control them by grooming, which consists of preening with the beak and scratching with the feet. Although preening is the primary component of grooming, scratching is essential for controlling arthropods on the head and neck, which cannot be preened. Several unrelated groups of birds have evolved comb-like pectinate claws on the middle toenail of each foot. We tested the role of these claws in the control of arthropods by experimentally removing teeth from the claws of captive western cattle egrets (Bubulcus ibis) infested with chewing lice (Insecta: Phthiraptera), feather mites (Acari: Sarcoptiformes), and nasal mites (Acari: Mesostigmata). After a period of 4 mo, we compared the abundance of arthropods on experimental birds to that of control birds with intact teeth. We used video to quantify the grooming rates of the captive birds, which groomed twice as much as wild birds. Experimental and control birds did not differ significantly in grooming time. Both groups virtually eradicated the chewing lice, but not feather mites or nasal mites. We found no support for the hypothesis that pectinate claws increase the efficiency of arthropod control by grooming. Experiments with wild birds are needed to test the hypothesis further under conditions in which birds devote less time to grooming.

Rodent-borne parasites in Qatar: A possible risk at the human-animal-ecosystem interface.

Rodents are known reservoirs for a diverse group of zoonotic pathogens that can pose a threat to human health. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate these pathogens to institute prevention and control measures. To achieve this, the current study was conducted to investigate the frequency of different parasites in commensal rodents in Qatar. A total of 148 rodents, including Rattus norvegicus, Rattus rattus, and Mus musculus were captured using traps placed in different habitats such as agricultural and livestock farms, residential areas, and other localities. Blood, feces, ectoparasite, and visceral organs were collected for gross, microscopic, immunological, and molecular analysis. The study identified 10 different parasites, including Capillaria annulosa, Eimeria spp., Giardia spp., Hymenolepis diminuta, Mastophorus muris, Ornithonyssus bacoti, Taenia taeniaeformis, Toxoplasma gondii, Trypanosoma lewisi, and Xenopsylla astia. Overall, 62.2% of the rodents tested positive for at least one parasite species. Helminths were found to be the most prevalent parasites (46.0%), followed by ectoparasites (31.8%), and protozoa (10.1%). However, individually, X. astia was the most prevalent (31.8%), whereas C. annulosa was the least common (0.7%). The prevalence of X. astia and H. diminuta significantly differed between habitats (p < 0.05). The sequence analysis of Hymenolepis spp. was closely related to the previously reported H. diminuta in Iran, China, and Mexico. In conclusion, the study identified a diverse range of rodent-borne parasites that are important to public health, with most of them being recorded for the first time among commensal rodents in Qatar.

Using modified trapping regimes to understand the behavioral and spatial ecology of Philornis downsi (Diptera: Muscidae).

The avian vampire fly Philornis downsi (Dodge & Aitken) (Diptera: Muscidae) is native to continental South America and the Caribbean, but invasive in the Galapagos Archipelago. The larvae of P. downsi feed on the blood and tissues of the nestlings of 75% of the small land bird species that are endemic or native to Galapagos, causing high in-nest mortality and severe population declines in some species. Efficient trapping techniques are vital to safeguarding these birds in the short term as well as for monitoring fly populations, but basic information about the ecology of the fly is still needed to help develop a species-appropriate trapping method. In this study, we used a novel trapping regime with a vertical distribution to make inferences about P. downsi's behavioral and spatial ecology and to optimize trap catch. Our results showed that male and female P. downsi were trapped in greater numbers below the canopy (3.1-7.5 m), lower down than other commonly caught insect species (5.1-11.5 m). Notably, the effect of trap height remained consistent across seasons and different weather conditions. These findings suggest that P. downsi tend to move at heights where their hosts nest (at or below the canopy) and do not spend time above the canopy. This also makes it unlikely that strategies such as hill-topping or aerial swarming are being used to locate mates. As such, trapping and control efforts should be focused below the canopy in forests with similar canopy heights to effectively capture P. downsi and reduce bycatch of other insects.

First report of the morphological and molecular characterization of Pseudolynchia canariensis (Diptera: Hippoboscidae) from Al-Baha region, Saudi Arabia.

This study aims to study the morphological and molecular characterization of (Pseudolynchia canariensis; Macquart, 1839)in the Al-Baha region of Saudi Arabia. Ninety-four pigeons were obtained from traditional pigeon breeding farms of the Al-Baha region, and fly samples were collected. Taxonomic keys were used to define the morphology of flies, whereas molecular characteristics were identified based on cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1. The rate of Pseudolynchia canariensis infestation in the examined pigeons was 44.5%. The genetic sequences of the fly samples were deposited in GenBank (accession number OQ073507). The match rate between the fly samples from the present study and those previously recorded in GenBank (accession numbers: EF531220, OM073981, and MW853922) displayed 99.66%. This study demonstrates that Pseudolynchia canariensis is common in the Al-Baha region; thus, further studies are required to detect other species from the same genus and their geographical distribution.

Haemaphysalis wellingtoni (Acari: Ixodidae) from the helmeted guineafowl, Numida meleagris (Galliformes: Numididae): A new tick-host record in Peninsular Malaysia.

This paper describes a new tick-host record of Haemaphysalis wellingtoni from the helmeted guineafowl (Numida meleagris) in Peninsular Malaysia. This record is also the first report of a tick infestation from N. meleagris in Asia. A checklist of the tick-guineafowl associations has been designed, resulting in 32 tick species including H. wellingtoni recorded as infesting N. meleagris worldwide. A list of pathogens harboured or transmitted by H. wellingtoni is provided. The status of H. wellingtoni as a true parasite of N. meleagris, and the health threat posed to the guineafowls are discussed in this paper.

Lice (Phthiraptera, Amblycera, Ischnocera) collected on the birds in the Aras basin in Igdir Province, Türkiye with new records and new host associations.

Chewing lice (Phthiraptera, Ischnocera and Amblycera) are permanent ectoparasites of birds and primarly feed on the feathers and scales of birds. To detect the chewing lice species found on birds in Aras basin, Igdir, Türkiye, a total of 240 birds represented by 61 species belonging to 30 families in 13 orders were examined during the 2021 bird migration season. A total of 531 (186 females, 136 males and 209 nymphs) lice were collected from 75 individuals (31,25% of birds examined) of 26 species, 21 families and 10 orders. Thirty-one lice species (11 amblyceran and 20 ischnoceran species) in 22 genera were identified. Of these, 15 lice species were reported for the first time in Türkiye, namely Cuculiphilus fasciatus, Pseudomenopon qadrii, Philopterus sp., Ricinus serratus, Philopterus picae, Rostrinirmus buresi, Sturnidoecus sp., Philopterus excisus, Philopterus microsomaticus, Philopterus coarctatus, Brueelia fuscopleura, Sturnidoecus pastoris, Brueelia currucae, Penenirmus auritus and Strigiphilus tuleskovi. In addition, new host associations were reported for the lice species Kurodaia fulvofasciata, Degeeriella rufa and Myrsidea rustica.

Nanoemulsion-based plant essential oil formulations: in vitro evaluation of pesticidal activity against ectoparasites in poultry.

Ectoparasite infestations significantly impact the health and productivity of poultry. Chemical applications, although common for pest control, lead to pesticide residues and parasite resistance in poultry. Nanoemulsion-based plant essential oil formulations (NEOFs) provide a promising alternative for controlling poultry ectoparasites. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of NEOFs from clove, cinnamon, and turmeric essential oils (EOs) against ectoparasites, Menopon gallinae and Megninia ginglymura, under laboratory conditions. The toxicity and repellent properties of the NEOFs were examined, with the major chemical compounds of the EOs analyzed using chromatography mass spectrometer. Results identified eugenol as the dominant component in clove and cinnamon EOs (84.60 and 75.19%, respectively), while turmerone (68.46%) was the major compound in turmeric EO. NEOFs with clove:cinnamon:turmeric ratios of 4:0:0, 2:2:0, and 2:0:2 had particle size of 20.76 nm, 20.66 nm, and 89.56 nm, respectively, while those based on eugenol and turmerone standards had sizes <21.0 nm. In addition, NEOFs at 0.3% concentration with ratios of 4:0:0 and 2:2:0 achieved full control of both ectoparasites. These formulas demonstrated exceptional potency in exterminating ectoparasites, with LC50 and LC90 at <0.160 and <0.250%, respectively, 6 h after treatments. Furthermore, both NEOFs showed higher repellence responses in M. gallinae compared to M. ginglymura. The toxicities of these NEOFs were comparably effective against both parasites, showing no significant difference compared with chemical insecticide treatment. Therefore, further research will explore the practicality of using clove and cinnamon-derived NEOFs under farm conditions.

Assessing the efficacy and zootechnical performance in laying hens after administration of a 1% aqueous solution of fluralaner (Exzolt) for treating natural infestation by Menacanthus cornutus.

A brood of laying hens infested with the lice Menacanthus cornutus (Phthiraptera: Menoponidae) evidenced itching, irritation, and damage to their zootechnical performance. A study was conducted to evaluate the zootechnical performance and infestation control using a 1% solution of fluralaner in a brood of white laying hens infested naturally with lice. The experiment was carried out using 10,560 naturally infested chickens divided into 2 groups: a treatment group of animals that received a 1% solution of fluralaner in drinking water, at a dose of 0.05 mL/kg of body weight, in 2 administrations, 7 d apart; and a control group of infested and untreated chickens. The groups of chickens were followed for 120 d to evaluate the score of infestation and zootechnical performance. It was observed that birds in the treatment group became free of lice infestation 7 d after the administration of the first dose of a 1% solution of fluralaner. For up to 120 d after the experiment was initiated, there was no evidence of subsequent lice infestation, while continued infestation with all life stages of lice (adults, young, or eggs) was evident in the untreated control group, remaining stable during all evaluations performed. The birds in the treatment group showed improved zootechnical performance when compared to a 9.94% egg production decrease in the control group. The feed conversion and egg mass data showed statistically significant differences between the 2 groups. This study allows us to conclude that treatment with a 1% solution of fluralaner effectively controlled Menacanthus cornutus lice infestation and promoted recovery of egg production in a brood of laying hens treated with the test formulation.

A review of sebum in mammals in relation to skin diseases, skin function, and the skin microbiome.

Diseases vary among and within species but the causes of this variation can be unclear. Immune responses are an important driver of disease variation, but mechanisms on how the body resists pathogen establishment before activation of immune responses are understudied. Skin surfaces of mammals are the first line of defense against abiotic stressors and pathogens, and skin attributes such as pH, microbiomes, and lipids influence disease outcomes. Sebaceous glands produce sebum composed of multiple types of lipids with species-specific compositions. Sebum affects skin barrier function by contributing to minimizing water loss, supporting thermoregulation, protecting against pathogens, and preventing UV-induced damage. Sebum also affects skin microbiome composition both via its antimicrobial properties, and by providing potential nutrient sources. Intra- and interspecific variation in sebum composition influences skin disease outcomes in humans and domestic mammal species but is not well-characterized in wildlife. We synthesized knowledge on sebum function in mammals in relation to skin diseases and the skin microbiome. We found that sebum composition was described for only 29 live, wild mammalian species. Sebum is important in dermatophilosis, various forms of dermatitis, demodicosis, and potentially white-nose syndrome. Sebum composition likely affects disease susceptibility, as lipid components can have antimicrobial functions against specific pathogens. It is unclear why sebum composition is species-specific, but both phylogeny and environmental effects may drive differences. Our review illustrates the role of mammal sebum function and influence on skin microbes in the context of skin diseases, providing a baseline for future studies to elucidate mechanisms of disease resistance beyond immune responses.

Flea parasitism in wild mammals in the metropolitan region of Sorocaba, São Paulo, Brazil.

Fleas are eurixenous ectoparasites that can parasitize different species of warm-blooded animals, including humans, with the possibility of causing irritation and blood spoliation. They are vectors responsible for the transmission of numerous pathogens and have a wide geographical distribution, more frequently in warm regions. Domestic animals (dogs and cats) are preferred hosts, but parasitism can also occur in wild hosts, with a greater variety of parasitic species and strong interaction between these siphonapters and their hosts. During the period from January 2021 to June 2023, flea specimens were collected from wild animals coming from the metropolitan region of Sorocaba, São Paulo. Some of these animals were animals from the zoo's own stock, which were diagnosed with parasitism during routine examinations and others were rescued from the natural environment and sent to the zoo. The flea specimens collected were packed in alcohol 700 GL and sent for microscopic diagnosis. Four groups were diagnosed at the specific level: Ctenocephalides felis, Rhopalopsyllus lutzi, R. lugrubis and Tunga penetrans, and two groups as unidentified species, belonging to the genera Rhopalopsyllus and Polygenis. The parasitized animals were all mammals, belonging to eleven different species, distributed in the Orders Carnivora, Didelphimorphia, Rodentia and Cingulata. Studies on the parasitofauna of wild animals contribute to a greater knowledge about the distribution of parasitic agents and their relationships with the host species.

As pulgas são ectoparasitos eurixenos que podem parasitar diferentes espécies de animais de sangue quente, incluindo seres humanos, com possibilidade de causar irritação e espoliação sanguínea. São vetores responsáveis pela transmissão de inúmeros patógenos e apresentam ampla distribuição geográfica, com maior frequência em regiões quentes. Os animais domésticos (cães e gatos) são hospedeiros preferenciais, mas o parasitismo pode ocorrer também em hospedeiros selvagens, com maior variedade de espécies parasitas e forte interação entre esses sifonápteros e seus hospedeiros. Durante o período de janeiro de 2021 a junho de 2023, espécimes de pulgas foram coletados de animais selvagens provenientes da região metropolitana de Sorocaba, São Paulo. Alguns destes animais eram animais do plantel do próprio zoológico, que foram diagnosticados com o parasitismo durante exames de rotina e outros foram resgatados do ambiente natural e encaminhados ao zoológico. Os espécimes de pulgas coletadas foram acondicionados em álcool 700 GL e enviados para diagnóstico microscópico. Foram diagnosticados quatro grupos a nível específico: Ctenocephalides felis, Rhopalopsyllus lutzi, R. lugrubis e Tunga penetrans, e dois grupos como espécies não identificadas, pertencentes aos gêneros Rhopalopsyllus e Polygenis. Os animais parasitados eram todos mamíferos, pertencentes a onze espécies diferentes, distribuídas nas Ordens Carnivora, Didelphimorphia, Rodentia e Cingulata. Estudos sobre a parasitofauna de animais selvagens contribuem para um maior conhecimento sobre a distribuição de agentes parasitários e suas relações com as espécies hospedeiras.

Studies on the Determination of Ectoparasites and the Prevalence Rate in Cattle in Izmir, Aydin and Mugla Regions.

Objective: The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence rates of ectoparasites (external parasites) seen in cattle in Mugla, Aydin and Izmir regions. Methods: For ectoparasite screening, a total of 1,353 cattle breeds from Mugla, Aydin and Izmir regions were included in the study. Ectoparasite samples were collected with the help of hand, forceps, comb and scalpel, brought to the laboratory in plastic containers containing 70% alcohol and examined under a microscope. Results: In the study, 191 (14.12%) of 1,353 cattle were infested with external parasites. Of the cattle, 138 (72.25%) ticks, 24 (12.57%) lice, 9 (4.71%) tabanid, 8 (4.19%) hippoboscid, 7 (3.66%) fleas and 5 (2.62%) mites were detected. Accordingly, 4 tick species in cattle Hyalomma marginatum, Hyalomma excavatum, Hyalomma detritum, Rhipicephalus turanicus, 4 lice species (Bovicola bovis, Linognathus vituli, Solenopotes capillatus, Haematopinus quadripertusus ), 1 mite species (Chorioptes bovis), 2 flea species (Ctenocephalides canis, Ctenocephalides felis), 1 hippoboscid fly species (Hippobosca equina) ve 3 tabanid fly species (Tabanus bromius, Tabanus exclusus, Philipomyia aprica) diagnosed. Conclusion: The presence of external parasites varied depending on the frequency of antiparasitic use in cattle.

Tungiasis: Participation of Cats and Chickens in the Dispersion and Maintenance of the Disease in an Endemic Tourist Area in Brazil.

Tunga spp. are fleas commonly found in impoverished tropical regions. In Vila Juerana, a tourist community in Ilheus, Bahia, Brazil, where tungiasis is endemic, dogs are the main host of fleas during their life cycle. However, there is no information about the role of cats and chickens in tungiasis in the village. Of the 272 households investigated, 112 had domestic animals, 48 had only dogs, 28 had only cats, and nine had only chickens. Of the 27 households with cohabitation among species, 16 had cats and dogs, eight had chickens and dogs, and three had dogs, cats, and chickens. The injuries due to tungiasis were ranked according to the Fortaleza classification, considering stages I, II, and III as viable lesions. The paws/feet of 71/111 (63.9%) cats and 173/439 (39.4%) chickens were inspected. Dogs that lived with positive cats and chickens also were inspected. Among the 38% (27/7; 95% IC 26.74-49.32) positive cats, 16 cohabited houses with infected dogs but none lived with positive chickens. Of the chickens, 2.3% (4/173; 95% IC 0.07-4.5) had lesions caused by tungiasis. In each household where a cat was infected, the dog was also positive. Two chickens cohabited with an infected dog and the other two did not coexist with other species. Cohabitation with infected dogs and the absence of house confinement restrictions in Vila Juerana make cats important carriers that spread tungiasis in this community. Chickens had a low frequency of tungiasis lesions despite living in proximity to infected dogs and cats.

Successful Treatment of Captive Common Marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) Infested with Common Cat Fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) by Using Topical Imidacloprid and Environmental Control Measures.

Fleas are ectoparasites affecting many animal species but reports in captive nonhuman primates are rare and mainly concern pet monkeys. Moreover, to the authors' knowledge, a detailed report on marmosets is not known at present. This case describes the clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of a flea infestation by Ctenocephalides felis in a captive colony of common marmosets. Fleas, flea feces and skin lesions were identified on two animals during annual health screening. Subsequently, the entire colony was examined, and nearly half of the colony showed signs of infestation. Consequently, treatment was initiated for the entire colony and the environment. Animals received two topical administrations of imidacloprid (5 mg for animals <200 g and 10 mg for animals weighing >200 g) three weeks apart, and their enclosures were decontaminated using vaporizers containing permethrin, piperonyl butoxide, and pyriproxyfen. Subsequently, skin lesions were resolved and no evidence of fleas were noticed. No side effects of the treatment were observed. Stray cats were identified as the source of the infestation. Their access to the animal-related rooms was stopped. No reinfestation has been reported for 3 years. The topical application of imidacloprid appeared effective with no adverse events occurring, so may be appropriate for use in other non-human primates.

The Parasites of Cats in Türkiye.

Cats have an important and different place due to their close relationships with humans. Since most of the parasites they carry are zoonotic, it is important to detect them. According to the research, Dipylidium caninum, Joyeuxiella pasqualei, Toxocara spp., Toxascaris leonina, Giardia spp., Isospora spp., and Toxoplasma sp. were found to be higher in cats compared to other parasites. It has been determined that scabies and flea infestations are common as ectoparasites. This review aims to present the reported parasites and their prevalence rates in cats in Türkiye.

Infestation and distribution of chiggers on the Anderson's white-bellied rats in southwest China.

As a group of ectoparasites, chiggers (larvae of chigger mites) are the exclusive vector of scrub typhus (tsutsugamushi disease). Rodents are the most important hosts of chiggers. The Anderson's niviventer rat, Niviventer andersoni, is an endemic species of rodent in China. However, few studies have involved this endemic rodent species and its ectoparasites including chiggers. According to the field investigation in five provincial regions of southwest China between 2001 and 2019, this paper retrospectively analysed the infestation and distribution of chiggers on the body surface of N. andersoni in southwest China for the first time. From 77 Anderson's niviventer rats captured, a total of 527 chiggers were collected and they were identified as 39 species and nine genera in two subfamilies of family Trombiculidae. Of 39 chigger species identified, Leptotrombidium deliense and L. scutellare are the most important vectors of scrub typhus in China. The overall infestation indexes were PM = 29.87%, MA = 6.84 and MI = 22.91, and the indexes of chigger mite community were Mf = 39, H' = 2.60, E = 0.71 and D = 0.12. The dominant chigger species are L. wenense, L. xiaguanense and L. fujianense with a total Cr = 51.04%, among which L. wenense is one of the six main vectors of scrub typhus in China. The dominant chigger species are of aggregated distribution among different individuals of the rats.

On four epibiotic peritrichous ciliates (Protozoa, Ciliophora) found in Lake Weishan Wetland: morphological and molecular data support the establishment of a new genus, Parapiosoma gen. nov., and two new species.

During a study on the diversity of ciliated protists in Lake Weishan Wetland, the largest wetland in northern China, four epibiotic sessilid peritrichs were isolated from aquatic host animals. Two of them, i.e., Epistylis cambari Kellicott, 1885 and Epistylis lwoffi Fauré-Fremiet, 1943, were known species whereas the other two, i.e., Parapiosoma typicum gen. nov., sp. nov. and Orborhabdostyla gracilis sp. nov., are new to science. The new genus Parapiosoma gen. nov. is characterized by its branched non-contractile stalk, everted peristomial lip, obconical macronucleus and transverse silverlines. Two species are assigned to the new genus, namely Parapiosoma typicum sp. nov. and Parapiosoma gasterostei (Fauré-Fremiet, 1905) comb. nov. Morphologically, P. typicum sp. nov. is recognized by its goblet-shaped zooids, single-layered peristomial lip, dichotomously branched stalk, and infundibular polykinety 3 (P3) containing three equal-length rows. Orborhabdostyla gracilis sp. nov. is characterized by its slender zooid, curved macronucleus, and three equal-length rows in infundibular P3. Improved diagnoses and redescriptions of E. cambari and E. lwoffi are provided including, for the first time, data on the ciliature of E. cambari. Phylogenetic analyses based on SSU rDNA, ITS1-5.8S rDNA -ITS2, and LSU rDNA sequence data strongly support the assertion that the family Epistylididae comprises morphospecies with different evolutionary lineages and indicate that Parapiosoma gen. nov. may represent a new taxon at family level.