Polymorphus

Polymorphus is a genus of scratch worms ( Acanthocephala ), which lives as a parasite intestine especially in wild and domesticated water birds such as swans, ducks and geese as well as rare in mammals.

Features

The body of the adult worms, is separated by a constriction into two flat portions. The trunk ( proboscis ) is monotonous to cylindrical, and artabhängig provided with 12 to 22 rows of hooks for each 6 to 12 single hooks. This increase in size to the trunk center and are relatively small both at the trunk base and on the snout tip.

The eggs are spindle -shaped with typical generic bulges in the middle shell layer of concentric egg cases.

Way of life

The adults of the genus polymorphus live as intestinal parasites, especially in the small intestine of wild and domesticated water birds such as swans, ducks and geese, some species in aquatic mammals. As intermediate hosts, especially isopods ( Asellus aquaticus ) and amphipods come into question.

Species

Within the genus approximately 35 species are distinguished and divided into two genera. The most prevalent types polymorphus heard minutus, which triggers a frequent parasite which Acanthocephalose of the poultry.