Ophthalmophagus bucephali n. sp. (Digenea: Cyclocoelidae) from the American Goldeneye, Bucephala clangula americana (Anatidae), from the Central Flyway of North America and a Checklist of Goldeneye Parasites

Two Cyclocoelids from the Lesser Yellowlegs, Tringa flavipes (Scolopacidae), from the Central Flyway of North America, Including the Description of Haematotrephus selfi n. sp. (Digenea: Cyclocoelidae)

“…Kanev et al (2002) recently developed keys that allow for the placement of species into genera and provided diagnostic characteristics for most genera of cyclocoelids; however, there remains a great deal of difficulty in the separation and/or assignment of species within many genera. Dronen and Blend (2007) pointed out, ''Most measurements that have been used to describe existing species have large ranges, and most species within a genus are often very similar in overall appearance leaving relatively few characteristics apparent that can be used to show specific differences.'' These authors also pointed out that cyclocoelids frequently occur in low numbers, descriptions of many species have been from a limited number of specimens (often as few as 1 specimen) from a restricted geographical area, and most species have been reported from relatively few sites within their hosts.…”

“…; Cyclocoelum spp. ; Haematotrephus limnodromi; Neoallopyge americanensis Dronen and Blend, 2005; Ophthalmophagus bucephali Dronen and Blend, 2007; Selfcoelum limnodromi Dronen, Gardner and Jiménez, 2006;Szidatitrema yamagutii Dronen, Craig and Hammond, 2006;Wardianum catoptrophori Dronen, 2007) has shown that at least some species of cyclocoelids can be found in a variety of sites within their hosts (i.e. body cavity, air sacs, nasal cavities), suggesting that caution should be taken when using the site within a host as a diagnostic feature.…”

“…body cavity, air sacs, nasal cavities), suggesting that caution should be taken when using the site within a host as a diagnostic feature. Dronen et al (2006a) and Dronen and Blend (2007) pointed out that the position of the genital pore is often difficult to see in cyclocoelids. In species like Selfcoelum limnodromi (11 specimens) (Dronen et al, 2006a) and Szidatitrema yamagutii (over 90 specimens; 11 specimens and sections used in the species description) (Dronen, Craig, et al, 2006), where there have been large numbers of specimens to examine, the placement of the genital pore can vary from being located near the midlevel of the pharynx to being distinctly postpharyngeal.…”