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

Abstract

Combes & Channing (1978-79) expressed the opinion that the discontinuity between the range of Polystoma natalensis,described by them from Natal in South Africa, and those of other African species of the genus, was probably due to a lack of documentation. An investigation into the parasite loads of several anuran species in the central and eastern parts of the Orange Free State led to the discovery of another new South African species of Polystoma, harboured in running frogs of the genus Kassina which has not previously been known as a host of adult polystomes. Detailed information is given on the morphological characteristics of the larval, juvenile and mature parasites, while information on parasite and host ecology and distribution is also included.