Identification and maturation of the metacercaria of Indodidymozoon pearsoni

Abstract

The metacercaria of Indodidymozoon pearsoni (Digenea: Didymozoidae) is identified by DNA sequencing of second internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) ribosomal DNA and described. Its development into the adult is documented. Morphological features that may assist the matching of didymozoid metacercariae to adults are discussed. Those that may be of greatest use are the size of the oral and ventral suckers and the presence or absence of a chamber at the posterior extremity of the oesophagus.