Phyllobothrium discopygi n. sp. (Cestoda: Tetraphyllidea) from Chile with a critical comparison of the affinities of P. auricula van Beneden 1858 and P. foliatum Linton 1890

Abstract

Phyllobothrium discopygi n. sp. is described from the spiral valve of Discopyge tschudi Heckel, 1846 (Torpedinidae) taken in the Pacific Ocean off Coquimbo, San Antonio and Antofagasta, Chile, Specimens are described from whole-mounts, sections and SEM. Phyllobothrium discopygi is distinguished from other tetraphyllidean cestodes of the genus Phyllobothrium van Beneden, 1849 by a bifurcate scolex with bothridia joined in pairs, short neck, testes number and distribution, and morphology of the vitelline follicles and ovary. Phyllobothrium foliatum Linton, 1890 is considered a junior synonym of P. auricula van Beneden, 1858 following comparisons of P. auricula from D. pastinaca, Linton's holotype of P. foliatum from D. centroura and fresh specimens from D. centroura taken in waters near Woods Hole, Massachusetts. A meristic comparison of the adult worms is presented.