ENTOMOLOGY 156 BIOLOGY OF PARASITISM

LABORATORY 3: TREMATODES

This group of Platyhelminthes comprises the Flukes and consists of three classes - Aspidobothrea, Monogenea, and Digenea. In this laboratory, we will examine one monogenean and several important digenean flatworms.

Class Monogenea

Monogenean flatworms are characterized by one anterior oral sucker and a posterior adhesive structure called the opisthaptor. These two organs are used for attachment and adhesion to the host. Anchors, hooks and suckers may be found associated with the opisthaptor. Unlike cestodes, mono- and digenean trematodes have an alimentary canal but, like cestodes, both male and female reproductive organs are found in adults.

Most monogeneans are ectoparasites on poikilothermic vertebrates. They show a specificity for scales, fins or gills of host fishes. Three species are known to be endoparasites.

Examine the monogenean trematode on display, noting the oral sucker and opisthaptor.

Head with oral sucker
Head with oral sucker
Mid body
Opisthaptor
Opisthaptor
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