Family METADILEPIDIDAE Spasskii, 1959
Introduction
The Metadilepididae Spasskii, 1959 is a relatively small family of cestodes (seven genera) formerly included within the Dilepididae. They are distinguished from dilepidids primarily in lacking a prominent rostellar sac surrounding the rostellum, in having the uterus develop dorsally, and having a saccate uterus (Kornyushin & Georgiev 1994).
The family occurs in birds, mainly in tropical regions of the world. Kornyushin & Georgiev (1994) suggested that many undescribed taxa exist as the cestodes of tropical birds are, as yet, very poorly studied.
The taxonomic definitions and arrangement used here follow Kornyushin & Georgiev (1994). At present, only a single species of the Metadilepididae is known from Australian birds, probably reflecting lack of study of the fauna rather than rarity.
General References
Kornyushin, V. V. & Georgiev, B.B. 1994. Family Metadilepididae Spasskii, 1959. pp. 585-593 in Khalil, L.F., Jones, A. & Bray, R.A. (eds). Keys to the Cestode Parasites of Vertebrates. Wallingford, UK : Commonwealth Agriculture Bureaux International 751 pp.
History of changes
Published | As part of group | Action Date | Action Type | Compiler(s) |
---|---|---|---|---|
06-Feb-2014 | 15-Apr-2011 | MODIFIED | ||
12-Feb-2010 | (import) |