Polystomatidae (Monogenea) parasitic in the anuran genus Natalobatrachus in South Africa

Abstract

In southern Natal adult polystomes have been found in 10,6% of a sample (n = 47) of Natalobatrachus bonebergi, a host species with a restricted eastern coastal distribution. The parasite is described as Polystoma umthakathi sp. nov., and relevant information is also given on the ecology and geographical distribution of both paraSite and host. The taxonomic problems within the African polystomes and parasite adaptations to the ecology of the host are discussed. In Natal is volwasse polystome gevind in 10,6% van 'n monster (n = 47) van Natalobatrachus bonebergi, 'n gasheerspesie met 'n beperkte oostelike kusstreek-verspreiding. Die parasiet word beskryf as Polystoma umthakathi sp. nov., terwyltoepaslike inligting ook gegee word met betrekking tot die ekologie en geografiese verspreiding van die parasiet sowel as van die gasheer. Die taksonomiese probleme rakende die Afrikapolystome en die aanpassings van die parasiet by die ekologie van die gasheer word bespreek.

S.-Afr.Tydskr.Dierk. 19R7, 22(4)