CHARACTERIZATION OF EIMERIA LANCASTERENSIS AND EIMERIA ONTARIOENSIS (APICOMPLEXA: EIMERIIDAE) FOUND IN EASTERN GRAY SQUIRRELS, SCIURUS CAROLINENSIS (RODENTIA: SCIURIDAE), FROM ARKANSAS AND OKLAHOMA.

We report the morphological characteristics of oocysts of Eimeria lancasterensisJoseph, 1969, collected from 6 of 6 (100%) eastern gray squirrels, Sciurus carolinensis, collected in Arkansas (n = 3) and Oklahoma (n = 3), and Eimeria ontarioensisLee and Dorney, 1971, recovered from an individual of S. carolinensis from Arkansas. Oocysts of E. lancasterensis were ovoidal to ellipsoidal, measuring (L × W) 24.0 × 14.6 (18-29 × 12-16) µm; shape index (L/W) was 1.6 (1.3-1.8). A micropyle and an oocyst residuum were absent, but up to 2 polar granules were present. Oocysts of E. ontarioensis were piriform and measured 40.6 × 26.0 (37-44 × 23-28); L/W was 1.6 (1.5-1.7). These oocysts possessed a distinct micropyle and rarely a polar granule but lacked an oocyst residuum. The DNA was isolated from both eimerians, and the 18S rDNA genetic markers were PCR-amplified, cloned, sequenced, and analyzed. To our knowledge, this study represents the first time 18S DNA sequence data have been generated from E. lancasterensis and E. ontarioensis found in North American sciurid hosts, as well as new geographic distribution records for these coccidians. In addition, we also include a tabular summary of these 2 species of Eimeria from Sciurus spp. worldwide, with information on their hosts, distribution, and taxonomically important morphological characteristics, including key measurements of oocysts and sporocysts.

A NEW SPECIES OF THELOHANELLUS (CNIDARIA: MYXOSPOREA: MYXOBOLIDAE) FROM THE GILL OF QUILLBACK, CARPIODES CYPRINUS (CYPRINIFORMES: CATOSTOMIDAE), FROM THE ARKANSAS RIVER DRAINAGE OF OKLAHOMA.

During May 2022 and again in March 2023, 5 quillbacks, Carpiodes cyprinus, were collected from the Verdigris River, Wagoner County, Oklahoma (n = 1), and the Black River, Lawrence County, Arkansas (n = 4), and their gill, gallbladder, fins, integument, musculature, and other major organs were macroscopically examined for myxozoans. Gill lamellae from the single quillback from the Verdigris River was infected with a new myxozoan, Thelohanellus oklahomaensis n. sp. Qualitative and quantitative morphological data were obtained from fresh and formalin-fixed preserved myxospores, and molecular data consisted of a 1,767 base pair sequence of the partial small subunit (SSU) ribosomal RNA gene. Phylogenetic analysis grouped T. oklahomaensis n. sp. with myxozoans known to infect North American catostomids and Eurasian cyprinids. Histological examination localized plasmodia to an intralamellar developmental site and revealed a possible vestige of a second polar capsule. Although plasmodia markedly expanded lamellae, there were no associated epithelial or inflammatory changes. Thelohanellus oklahomaensis n. sp. is the only member of the genus known to infect the gills of C. cyprinus.

Two New Eimerians from American Alligator, Alligator mississippiensis (Crocodilia: Alligatoridae), from Georgia, USA.

PURPOSE: Little is known about the coccidian parasites of the American alligator, Alligator mississippiensis (Daudin). To date, only two species of Eimeria Schneider, 1875 have been previously reported from A. mississippiensis. Here, we report from mensural and morphometric data on two new species of Eimeria from A. mississippiensis from Georgia, USA. METHODS: Fresh feces were collected in June 2023 from a single captive juvenile male A. mississippiensis. Multiple samples were placed in individual zip-lock bags and aqueous potassium dichromate was added. They were examined for sporulated oocysts after flotation in Sheather's sugar solution, measured, and photographed. RESULTS: Samples contained oocysts representing two new species of Eimeria. Oocysts of Eimeria tellezae n. sp. are subspheroidal to ellipsoidal with a pitted bi-layered wall, measure (L × W) 34.5 × 31.5 µm, and have a length/width (L/W) ratio of 1.1; a micropyle and polar granule were absent but an oöcyst residuum was present. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal and measure 17.2 × 7.7 µm, L/W 2.2; a nipple-like Stieda body bearing one to several filaments was present but sub-Stieda and para-Stieda bodies were absent. The sporocyst residuum is composed of various-sized granules in a compact rounded or irregular mass, sometimes dispersed between the sporozoites. Oocysts of Eimeria daudini n. sp. are ellipsoidal with a pitted bi-layered wall, measure (L × W) 32.5 × 20.2 µm, and have a length/width (L/W) ratio of 1.6; a micropyle and polar granule were absent but an oöcyst residuum was present. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal and measure 15.4 × 7.4 µm, L/W 2.1; a nipple-like Stieda body bearing one to several filaments was present but sub-Stieda and para-Stieda bodies were absent. The sporocyst residuum is composed of various-sized granules in a compact rounded or irregular mass, sometimes dispersed between the sporozoites. Both new species can readily be distinguished from previously described eimerians from crocodilians, including those from A. mississippiensis. CONCLUSION: We document two new species of Eimeria from the American alligator. Currently, four species of Eimeria are known from A. mississippiensis examined from both east and west of the Mississippi River, USA.

Discovering high species diversity of Ophiotaenia tapeworms (Cestoda: Proteocephalidae) of watersnakes (Colubridae) in North America.

Tapeworms of the genus Ophiotaenia La Rue, 1911 parasitize herptiles (= amphibians and 'reptiles') throughout the world, with about 100 species recognised as valid. In the present work, the North American species found in watersnakes (Colubridae) are reviewed. An examination of the holotype of Ophiotaenia perspicua La Rue, 1911, the type species of the genus, and other specimens from Nerodia rhombifer (Hallowell) revealed that two species were used for the species description. The 'true' O. perspicua has a small scolex and small, round suckers. This species is redescribed based on new material from Oklahoma, USA. The other species from N. rhombifer, Ophiotaenia laruei n. sp., has a larger scolex and larger, almost triangular suckers. Examination of the types of O. variabilis (Brooks, 1978) from N. rhombifer and N. cyclopion (Duméril, Bibron et Duméril) from Louisiana, USA has revealed that it is a mixture of two or more species. Because of poor quality of these specimens, it is not possible to adequately characterise O. variabilis, which is considered a species inquirenda. In addition, two new species are described from Nerodia fasciata confluens (Blanchard). Ophiotaenia currani n. sp. from Mississippi, USA is characterised by elongate, narrow proglottids, few testes, and a relatively long cirrus sac. Ophiotaenia tkachi n. sp. from Louisiana, USA is characterised by relatively short and wide proglottids, more testes, and an unusual terminal part of the vagina with folds. Morphologically similar tapeworms of N. fasciata confluens, N. erythrogaster (Förster), N. sipedon (Linnaeus), and Agkistrodon piscivorus (Lacépède) (Viperidae) from Arkansas and Oklahoma, USA, which are genetically nearly identical, are considered to be conspecific with O. tkachi n. sp. The present data suggest a high, previously undescribed species diversity of proteocephalid tapeworms in watersnakes in North America, and generally strict host specificity of these tapeworms.

TAPEWORMS (CESTODA: OPHIOTAENIA) FROM THE NORTHERN COTTONMOUTH (AGKISTRODON PISCIVORUS).

The northern cottonmouth, Agkistrodon piscivorus (Lacépède, 1789) (Viperidae: Crotalinae), occurs in the southeastern United States and is one of the few semiaquatic vipers in the world. Three proteocephalid tapeworms of the genus OphiotaeniaLa Rue, 1911 (Cestoda), have been described from this venomous snake. A critical evaluation of type specimens and tapeworms recently collected from A. piscivorus has revealed that only 2 species, Ophiotaenia marenzelleri (Barrois, 1898) and Ophiotaenia grandisLa Rue, 1911 (new synonym Ophiotaenia agkistrodontis [Harwood, 1933]), are specific parasites of this crotaline viper; both species are redescribed here. Ophiotaenia grandis was originally described from a mixture of 2 species: 'true' O. grandis, which is indistinguishable from O. agkistrodontis described 22 yr later and thus considered to be a junior synonym of O. grandis, and O. marenzelleri. Ophiotaenia marenzelleri, also reported from the pygmy rattlesnake, Sistrurus miliarius (Linnaeus, 1766), is a larger tapeworm with a massive scolex, a large cirrus sac, a very large, annular vaginal sphincter near the equatorial gonopore, and an oval, 3-layered embryophore surrounded by a nearly square hyaline outer membrane. Ophiotaenia grandis is much smaller and more slender and has a narrower scolex, a smaller cirrus sac and vaginal sphincter, a 2-layered embryophore, and a distinctly pre-equatorial gonopore. In addition to O. marenzelleri and O. grandis, other Ophiotaenia species typical of semiaquatic snakes (Colubridae: Natricinae) may be present in the northern cottonmouth, which serves only as a postcyclic or occasional host. There is also a tabular summary of 18 species of Ophiotaenia from semiaquatic snakes worldwide, with information on their hosts, distribution, and taxonomically important characters, including key measurements.

Amended diagnosis, mitochondrial genome, and phylogenetic position of Sphyranura euryceae (Neodermata, Monogenea, Polystomatidae), a parasite of the Oklahoma salamander.

Polystomatidae is a monogenean family whose representatives infect mainly (semi)-aquatic tetrapods. Species of Sphyranura Wright, 1879 exhibit ectoparasitism on salamander hosts, with molecular work supporting their inclusion within Polystomatidae, at an early diverging, yet unresolved, position in the clade of otherwise endoparasitic polystomatid parasites of batrachian hosts. Records of representatives of Sphyranura are scarce with genetic data only available for S. oligorchis Alvey, 1933. Based on detailed morphological examination and comparison with type material, we identified worms belonging to Sphyranura infecting Oklahoma salamander (Eurycea tynerensis) as S. euryceae Hughes & Moore, 1943. Along with an amended diagnosis of Sphyranura, we provide the first molecular data for S. euryceae in the form of a mitochondrial genome and nuclear (18S, 28S rRNA) markers. Close morphological similarity between the two species of Sphyranura is reflected in low genetic divergence. Mitochondrial level comparison reveals instances of tRNA gene rearrangements in polystomatids. Although the phylogenetic reconstruction supports Sphyranura as early branching in the lineage of polystomatid monogeneans infecting batrachians, certain nodes remain unresolved.

Title: Diagnostic modifié, génome mitochondrial et position phylogénétique de Sphyranura euryceae (Neodermata, Monogenea, Polystomatidae), un parasite de la salamandre de l'Oklahoma. Abstract: Les Polystomatidae sont une famille de monogènes dont les représentants infectent principalement les tétrapodes (semi)-aquatiques. Les espèces de Sphyranura Wright, 1879 présentent un ectoparasitisme sur les hôtes salamandres, et des travaux moléculaires soutiennent leur inclusion dans les Polystomatidae, à une position divergente précoce mais non résolue dans le clade des Polystomatidae endoparasites d'hôtes batraciens. Les signalements des représentants de Sphyranura sont rares et les données génétiques ne sont disponibles que pour S. oligorchis Alvey, 1933. Sur la base d'un examen morphologique détaillé et d'une comparaison avec le matériel type, nous avons identifié les vers appartenant à Sphyranura infectant la salamandre de l'Oklahoma (Eurycea tynerensis) comme S. euryceae Hughes & Moore, 1943. Parallèlement à un diagnostic modifié de Sphyranura, nous fournissons les premières données moléculaires pour S. euryceae sous la forme d'un génome mitochondrial et de marqueurs nucléaires (ARNr 18S, 28S). La similitude morphologique étroite entre les deux espèces de Sphyranura se traduit par une faible divergence génétique. La comparaison au niveau mitochondrial révèle des cas de réarrangements des gènes des ARNt chez les Polystomatidae. Bien que la reconstruction phylogénétique soutienne Sphyranura comme un rameau précoce dans la lignée des monogènes Polystomatidae infectant les batraciens, certains nœuds restent non résolus.

A global survey of tapeworms (Cestoda: Proteocephalidae) of 'true' frogs (Amphibia: Ranidae), including a tabulated list of all proteocephalids parasitising amphibians.

Proteocephalid tapeworms of frogs of the family Ranidae ('true' frogs) are reviewed with emphasis on their species diversity, host specificity and geographical distribution. New molecular data (nuclear lsrDNA and mitochondrial COI sequences) are presented for tapeworms of four species of ranid frogs in North America, including the poorly known Ophiotaenia saphena Osler, 1931 of Rana clamitans Latreille and R. catesbeiana (Shaw), which is redescribed using new material from Arkansas, USA. Tapeworms of R. sphenocephala (Cope) and R. pipiens Schreber, the latter previously identified as O. saphena, represent another, putative new species, but are not formally described due to insufficient available material. Proteocephalus papuensis Bursey, Goldberg et Kraus, 2008 from Sylvirana supragrisea (Menzies) is transferred to Ophiotaenia La Rue, 1911 as a new combination. After a critical review of the literature, only nine nominal species of Ophiotaenia are recognised as valid, which is in contrast to the large number of ranid frogs (> 440 spp.). The reasons for this striking disparity are briefly discussed, and a key based on morphology is presented for the identification of all species of Ophiotaenia from the Ranidae. Molecular data are available for only two taxa from North America that form a monophyletic group. The relationships among tapeworms of ranid frogs occurring in other zoogeographical regions are not yet known. The taxonomic status of Batrachotaenia Rudin, 1917, which was erected to accommodate proteocephalids from amphibians, is also discussed. To facilitate future studies, a tabulated summary of all 32 species of proteocephalids belonging to three genera reported from amphibians (frogs and salamanders) is presented, with information on their hosts, distribution, and taxonomically important characters, including key measurements.

A NEW EIMERIAN (APICOMPLEXA: EIMERIIDAE) FROM EASTERN MOLE, SCALOPUS AQUATICUS (MAMMALIA: EULIPOTYPHLA: TALPIDAE), IN CENTRAL ARKANSAS, WITH ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON CYCLOSPORA YATESI MCALLISTER, MOTRIUK-SMITH, AND KERR.

The eastern mole, Scalopus aquaticus (L.), is a common inhabitant of loamy soils in Canada, the eastern United States, and Mexico. Seven coccidian parasites have been previously reported from S. aquaticus, including 3 cyclosporans and 4 eimerians from hosts taken in Arkansas and Texas. A single S. aquaticus, collected in February 2022 in central Arkansas, was found to be passing oocysts of 2 coccidians, a new species of Eimeria, and Cyclospora yatesiMcAllister, Motriuk-Smith, and Kerr, 2018. Oocysts of Eimeria brotheri n. sp. are ellipsoidal (sometimes ovoidal) with a smooth bilayered wall, measure 14.0 × 9.9 µm, and have a length/width (L/W) ratio of 1.5; both micropyle and oocyst residua are absent, but a single polar granule is present. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal and measure 8.1 × 4.6 µm, L/W 1.8; a flattened to knoblike Stieda body as well as a rounded sub-Stieda body are present. The sporocyst residuum is composed of an irregular mass of large granules. Additional metrical and morphological information is provided on oocysts of C. yatesi. This study demonstrates that although several coccidians were previously documented from this host, additional S. aquaticus should be examined for coccidians from Arkansas as well as other parts of its range.

A new Myxobolus (Cnidaria: Myxosporea: Myxobolidae) from the gills of the southern striped shiner, Luxilus chrysocephalus isolepis (Cypriniformes: Leuciscidae), from southwestern Arkansas, USA.

The southern striped shiner, Luxilus chrysocephalus isolepis (Hubbs & Brown) is a relatively large minnow belonging to the true minnow family Leuciscidae Bonaparte. Between May 2020 and January 2022, 55 L. c. isolepis were collected from watersheds in Montgomery (n = 6), Polk (n = 17) and Sevier (n = 32) counties, Arkansas, USA, and their gills, gallbladders, urinary bladders, fins, integument, other major organs, and musculature were examined for myxozoans. Gills of 11 (34%) individual southern striped shiners from Sevier County were infected with a new myxozoan, Myxobolus carlhubbsi n. sp. A qualitative and quantitative morphological description was based on formalin-fixed preserved myxospores, and molecular data consisted of a 1,970 base pair sequence of the partial small subunit rRNA gene from ethanol-preserved specimens. Histologically, plasmodia filled and expanded interlamellar troughs. Hyperplastic epithelial and goblet cells filled interlamellar troughs adjacent to plasmodia, but inflammatory response was limited to scattered lymphocytes. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that M. carlhubbsi n. sp. is a member of a clade of species with pyriform myxospores parasitizing North American Pogonichthyinae Girard and North American and Eurasian Leuciscinae Bonaparte. This is the first report of a myxozoan from L. c. isolepis. This article was registered in the Official Register of Zoological Nomenclature (ZooBank) as urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:D10D71C2-2C75-4A1C-80ED-B98FF36CB509.

A new isosporan (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from barn swallow, Hirundo rustica (Aves: Passeriformes: Hirundinidae: Hirundininae), in Oklahoma, USA.

Compared to other commonly examined passerine birds for coccidian (Apicomplexa) parasites, little is available on the coccidia of birds of the family Hirundinidae, including barn swallows (Hirundo rustica). Feces was collected in May 2022 from two nesting H. rustica in McCurtain County, Oklahoma, USA; the samples contained oöcysts representing a new species of Isospora. Oöcysts of Isospora zimmermani n. sp. are subspheroidal to ovoidal with a smooth bi-layered wall, measure (L × W) 22.8 × 20.8 µm, and have a length/width (L/W) ratio of 1.1; a micropyle and oöcyst residuum were absent but polar granule(s) are present. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal to ovoidal and measure 15.2 × 9.6 µm, L/W 1.6; a knob-like Stieda body and a rounded sub-Stieda body are present. The sporocyst residuum is composed of compact spheroid with a dense, irregular mass of finer granules lying between and dispersed among the sporozoites. The new species represents only the second isosporan reported from H. rustica but the first from the USA, and fourth species documented from the avian family Hirundinidae. This article was registered in the Official Register of Zoological Nomenclature (ZooBank) as urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:1F1E71C3-56E8-4EA7-A9B0-1E585FAA9DE0.

A New Isospora (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the Dark-Eyed Junco, Junco hyemalis (L.) (Passeriformes: Passerellidae), in West-Central Arkansas, USA.

PURPOSE: Many passeriform birds are excellent hosts of coccidian parasites but little is known of the coccidians infecting members of the family Passerellidae, particularly from the dark-eyed junco, Junco hyemalis (Linnaeus, 1758). Here, we report from morphometric and mensural data a new species of Isospora from J. hyemalis in Arkansas, USA. METHODS: During November 2020, seven adult J. hyemalis were taken with a mist net from Polk County, Arkansas, USA, and their faecal samples examined for coccidian parasites. Samples were placed in individual vials containing aqueous potassium dichromate. They were examined for coccidia after flotation in Sheather's sugar solution, measured, and photographed. RESULTS: A single J. hyemalis (14%) was found to be passing a new species of Isospora. Oöcysts of Isospora pittmani n. sp. were spheroidal to subspheroidal with a smooth bi-layered wall, measured (L × W) 24.8 × 23.8 µm, and had a length/width (L/W) ratio of 1.04; a micropyle and oöcyst residuum was absent but typically one to up to four polar granule(s) was present. Sporocysts are ovoidal to ellipsoidal and measured 15.0 × 10.0 µm, L/W 1.5; a flattened Stieda body was present as well as a barely discernible sub-Stieda body but para-Stieda bodies were absent. The sporocyst residuum was composed of various-sized granules dispersed between and across the sporozoites. A spheroidal to ellipsoidal posterior refractile body and spheroidal anterior refractile body occasionally seen, but a nucleus was not observed. Only two previous isosporans have been reported from passerellid birds and the new species can readily be distinguished from them. CONCLUSION: This is the first coccidian reported from J. hyemalis and, more importantly, the first isosporan known from any member of the family Passerellidae in North America.

Pseudomurraytrema fergusoni n. sp. (Monogenea: Dactylogyridae) from gills of Pealip Redhorse, Moxostoma pisolabrum (Catostomidae) from Arkansas, USA, with a description of gill pathology.

Pseudomurraytrema fergusoni n. sp. is described from the Pealip Redhorse, Moxostoma pisolabrum from the Black River (White River drainage), Lawrence County, Arkansas, USA. This represents the second monogenean described from M. pisolabrum as well as the second species of Pseudomurraytrema reported from an Arkansas catostomid. The description includes partial 18S rRNA and 28S rRNA gene sequences (732 bp and 851 bp, respectively), helping fill a void in sequence data from North American monogeneans, particularly those in the genus Pseudomurraytrema. In addition, histopathologic changes associated with the infection resulted in severe localized pathologic lesions in gills of the host, suggesting compromise of respiratory surfaces within affected areas adjacent to the worms.

Redescription of Isospora vanriperorum Levine, 1982 (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the Northern Cardinal, Cardinalis cardinalis (L.) (Passeriformes: Cardinalidae), in North Texas, USA.

Little is known about the coccidian parasites of North American birds of the family Cardinalidae. A single isosporan, Isospora vanriperorum was previously described over 40 years ago from the northern cardinal, Cardinalis cardinalis from Hawaii. Since then, it was also reported in the green-winged saltator, Saltator similis from Brazil but the identification was invalidated recently. Feces were collected in July 2022 from two C. cardinalis found dead in Lamar County, Texas, USA. One sample contained oöcysts representing I. vanriperorum. Oöcysts are spheroidal to subspheroidal with a smooth uni-layered wall, measure (L × W) 23.8 × 22.4 µm and have a length/width (L/W) ratio of 1.04; a micropyle and oöcyst residuum are absent but polar granule(s) are present. Sporocysts are ovoidal and measure 15.5 × 10.5 µm, L/W 1.5; a knob-like Stieda body and a rounded sub-Stieda body are present. The sporocyst residuum is more often composed of various-sized granules dispersed between and across the sporozoites; it is less often in a compact rounded mass. This isosporan has now been reported from the northern cardinal for the second time but most importantly, from the mainland USA for the first time.

A NEW SPECIES OF MYXOBOLUS (CNIDARIA: MYXOSPOREA: MYXOBOLIDAE) FROM THE FINS OF THE WESTERN CREEK CHUBSUCKER, ERIMYZON CLAVIFORMIS (CYPRINIFORMES: CATOSTOMIDAE), FROM ARKANSAS.

Between November 2018 and December 2021, 35 juvenile and adult Western Creek Chubsuckers, Erimyzon claviformis, were collected from 5 sites in western and southern Arkansas (Ouachita and Red River drainages), and their gills, gallbladders, fins, integument, other major organs, and musculature were examined for myxozoans. The fins of 12 (34%) individuals were infected with a novel species, Myxobolus stuartae n. sp. Qualitative and quantitative morphological data were obtained from formalin-fixed preserved myxospores. Molecular data from ethanol-preserved specimens consisted of a 2,028 base pair sequence of small subunit (SSU) ribosomal DNA (rDNA) from a specimen collected in Nevada County. Three other specimens from Polk County yielded partial SSU rDNA sequences that were identical to the first sequence. Phylogenetic analyses placed M. stuartae n. sp. as sister to Myxobolus bibullatus (Kudo, 1934), both clustering with other catostomid-infecting myxobolids. This is the first fin-infecting myxozoan reported from E. claviformis.

A NEW SPECIES OF MYXOBOLUS (CNIDARIA: MYXOSPOREA: MYXOBOLIDAE) FROM THE GILLS OF CREEK CHUB, SEMOTILUS ATROMACULATUS (CYPRINIFORMES: LEUCISCIDAE: PLAGIOPTERINAE), FROM THE OUACHITA DRAINAGE OF ARKANSAS.

During October and November 2021, 33 creek chubs, Semotilus atromaculatus, were collected from 3 sites in Polk County, Arkansas (Ouachita River drainage), and their gills, gallbladder, fins, integument, musculature, and other major organs were examined for myxozoans. The gills of 9 (27%) were infected with a new myxozoan, Myxobolus fountainae n. sp. Qualitative and quantitative morphological data were from fresh and formalin-fixed preserved spores, while molecular data consisted of a 1918 base pair sequence of the partial small subunit ribosomal RNA gene. Phylogenetic analysis grouped M. fountainae n. sp. with the other leuciscid-infecting myxobolids from North America and within a larger clade of European myxozoans. In addition, histological information is provided on the infection. A previous record of Myxobolus muelleriBütschli, 1882, from the gills and ureters of S. atromaculatus is considered invalid and represents an unknown species. Myxobolus fountainae n. sp. is the only named myxozoan known to infect the gill filaments of S. atromaculatus, whereas Myxobolus pendula (Guilford, 1967) infects the gill arches.

Molecular phylogeny supports invalidation of Didelphodiplostomum and Pharyngostomoides (Digenea: Diplostomidae) and reveals a Tylodelphys from mammals.

Alaria, Didelphodiplostomum and Pharyngostomoides are among genera of diplostomid digeneans known to parasitize mammalian definitive hosts. Despite numerous recent molecular phylogenetic studies of diplostomids, limited DNA sequence data is available from diplostomids parasitic in mammals. Herein, we provide the first 28S rDNA and cox1 mtDNA sequences from morphologically identified, adult specimens of Didelphodiplostomum and Pharyngostomoides. Newly generated 28S sequences were used to infer the phylogenetic interrelationships of these two genera among other major lineages of diplostomoideans. The phylogeny based on 28S and a review of morphology clearly suggests that Pharyngostomoides should be considered a junior synonym of Alaria, while Didelphodiplostomum should be considered a junior synonym of Tylodelphys. Pharyngostomoides procyonis (type species), Pharyngostomoides adenocephala and Pharyngostomoides dasyuri were transferred into Alaria as Alaria procyonis comb. nov., Alaria adenocephala comb. nov. and Alaria dasyuri comb. nov.; Didelphodiplostomum variabile (type species) and Didelphodiplostomum nunezae were transferred into Tylodelphys as Tylodelphys variabilis comb. nov. and Tylodelphys nunezae comb. nov. In addition, Alaria ovalis comb. nov. (formerly included in Pharyngostomoides) was restored and transferred into Alaria based on a morphological study of well-fixed, adult specimens and the comparison of cox1 DNA sequences among Alaria spp. The diplostomid genus Parallelorchis was restored based on review of morphology.

A new species of Isospora (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the yellow warbler, Setophaga petechia (L.) (Passeriformes: Parulidae: Parulinae), in Oklahoma, USA.

Isospora fitzpatricki n. sp. is described from a yellow warbler, Setophaga petechia (L.), from McCurtain County, Oklahoma, USA. Oöcysts of the new species are subspheroidal to ovoidal with a smooth bi-layered wall, measure (L × W) 24.2 × 20.4 µm, and have a length/width (L/W) ratio of 1.2; a micropyle and oöcyst residuum are both absent, but polar granule(s) are present. Sporocysts are ovoidal to ellipsoidal and measure 14.5 × 9.2 µm, L/W ratio of 1.6; a knob-like Stieda body is present as well as a distinct rounded sub-Stieda body. The sporocyst residuum is composed of various-sized granules in a compact rounded or irregular mass or dispersed between and across the sporozoite. The oöcysts of I. fitzpatricki n. sp. can be differentiated from five other congeners reported from members of the New World warbler family Parulidae from either Mexico, Costa Rica, or Brazil, by being larger on average as well as by possessing a prominent rounded sub-Stieda body, sporozoite striations, and an posterior refractile body. Information is also presented on an Isospora sp. being passed by S. petechia that we choose not to describe as a putative novel species of Isospora at this time. These two isosporans represent the first coccidians reported from S. petechia and, more importantly, the first known from the members of the Parulidae in the USA.

A new species of Myxidium (Cnidaria: Myxosporea: Myxidiidae) from the gallbladder of pickerels, Esox spp. (Esociformes: Esocidae), from southwestern Arkansas, USA.

During April 2016 and again in November 2021, four Chain Pickerels, Esox niger were collected from Union (n = 3) and Nevada (n = 1) counties, Arkansas, USA, and 65 Grass Pickerels, Esox americanus vermiculatus were collected between January 2015 and December 2021 from four counties of Arkansas (n = 31) and McCurtain County, Oklahoma, USA (n = 34), and examined for myxozoans. Gallbladders of an individual E. niger from Nevada County, Arkansas, as well as a single individual of E. a. vermiculatus from Sevier County, Arkansas, were infected with a new myxozoan, Myxidium whippsi n. sp. Qualitative and quantitative morphological data were from formalin-fixed preserved myxospores while molecular data (SSU rRNA gene) consisted of 2031bp (host: E. niger) and 1723 bp (host: E. a. vermiculatus) partial sequences of the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene. Phylogenetic analysis placed M. whippsi n. sp. in a clade with two other myxozoans, Zschokkella nova and Myxidium truttae, previously reported from cyprinids and salmonids, respectively. We document the first report of a myxozoan from E. a. vermiculatus. This article was registered in the Official Register of Zoological Nomenclature (ZooBank) as urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:A50FCEB3-68C3-428E-A04E-37A16790F1EB.

A young parasite in an old fish host: A new genus for proteocephalid tapeworms (Cestoda) of bowfin (Amia calva) (Holostei: Amiiformes), and a revised list of its cestodes.

A new genus, Laruella n. gen., is proposed for the proteocephalid cestode L. perplexa (La Rue, 1911) n. comb. (syn. Proteocephalus perplexus La Rue, 1911), a parasite of a 'living fossil', the bowfin (Amia calva), in North America. The new genus is differentiated from other proteocephalid genera by having a massive four-lobed scolex without an apical organ and bearing suckers possessing tear-shaped sphincters on their inner rim, vitelline follicles forming L-shaped lateral fields, with the vitellarium turned inwards (medially) ventrally alongside the posterior margin of the ovary, a ring-like vaginal sphincter situated at a considerable distance from the genital atrium, and ellipsoid eggs resembling those of bothriocephalid and diphyllobothriid tapeworms, except for the absence of an operculum. Phylogenetic relationships of the new genus are not resolved, but it belongs to the so-called Neotropical clade of the Proteocephalidae, which is composed mainly of Neotropical tapeworms of siluriforms and other teleosts, but also Nearctic and Palaearctic species of Ophiotaenia La Rue, 1911 from snakes and amphibians. A morphologically similar species, Proteocephalus ambloplitis (Leidy, 1887) from bass (Micropterus spp.) in North America, is provisionally retained in Proteocephalus Weinland, 1858 because its relationships to L. perplexa are not yet clear. The former species differs from L. perplexa by the presence of a large apical organ, large, elongate vaginal sphincter situated near the genital atrium, vitelline follicles limited to lateral longitudinal fields, strongly coiled vas deferens within the cirrus sac, and a convoluted vaginal canal anterior to the ovarian isthmus. Laruella perplexa reportedly has a s broad spectrum of hosts but most are likely postcyclic or accidental hosts. A list of cestode parasites reported from bowfin is provided; it includes eight species and three taxa not identified to the species level. However, only three adult cestodes, L. perplexa and two species of Haplobothrium Cooper, 1914, are typical tapeworm parasites of bowfin, but previous molecular studies indicate possible existence of a putative new species in bowfin.

A New Isospora (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the Carolina Wren, Thryothorus ludovicianus ludovicianus (Passeriformes: Certhioidea: Troglodytidae), in Southeastern Oklahoma, USA.

PURPOSE: Nothing is known of the coccidian parasites of the Carolina wren, Thryothorus ludovicianus ludovicianus (Latham, 1790). Here, we report a new species of Isospora from T. l. ludovicianus from Oklahoma, USA. METHODS: Faecal samples were collected between September and December 2021 from five adult T. l. ludovicianus taken with a mist net from McCurtain County, Oklahoma, USA, and examined for coccidian parasites. Samples were placed in individual vials containing aqueous potassium dichromate. They were examined for coccidia after flotation in Sheather's sugar solution, measured, and photographed. Tissue samples from the intestine of a single positive bird were removed and placed in 10% neutral-buffered formalin for examination of coccidian endogenous stages. RESULTS: A single Carolina wren (20%) was found to be passing a new species of Isospora. Oocysts of Isospora edwardwilsoni n. sp. were subspheroidal to ovoidal with a smooth bi-layered wall, measured (L × W) 23.8 × 20.3 µm, and had a length/width (L/W) ratio of 1.2; a micropyle and oocyst residuum was absent but typically one to up to four polar granule(s) was present. Sporocysts are ovoidal to ellipsoidal and measured 15.3 × 9.7 µm, L/W 1.6; a knob-like Stieda body was present as well as a distinct rounded sub-Stieda body. The sporocyst residuum was composed of various-sized granules in a compact irregular mass or dispersed between and across the sporozoite, or a combination of both within the same sporocyst. Information is also presented on the endogenous development of this coccidian. CONCLUSION: This is the first coccidian reported from T. l. ludovicianus and, more importantly, the first known from the members of the family Troglodytidae in North America.