Overview of helminths in reptiles of the National Park «Samarskaya Luka» (Russia)

Abstract

The paper summarises available data on the species diversity of helminths in reptiles of the National Park «Samarskaya Luka» (Russia). Helminths of seven species of reptiles were examined in the region in 1996–2016. Thirty helminth species were noted in snakes and lizards: 19 trematodes, one cestode, nine nematodes and one acanthocephalan. Natrix natrix with 20 helminth species and N. tessellata with 14 helminth species were proven to have the richest helminth fauna. The fauna of helminths was less diversified in Lacerta agilis (seven species) and Anguis fragilis (four species).No helminths were detected in Coronella austriaca, Vipera berus and Elaphe dione. The fish nematode parasite Camallanus truncatus was registered in reptiles for the first time. Six species of helminths were discovered in reptiles of Russia for the first time: the trematodes Neoglyphe sobolevi, Prosotocus confusus, nematodes Strongyloides mirzai, Streptocara crassicauda, larvae, Physaloptera clausa, larvae and acanthocephalan Acanthocephalus lucii. In addition, three species of parasites were found for the first time in reptiles of the Volga basin fauna. These are nematodes of Anguis fragilis – Entomelas entomelas, E. dujardini, Oxysomatium brevicaudatum. The mesocercaria of the trematode Alaria alata found in Natrix natrix and N. tessellata has epizootological importance as a causative agent of alariosis in carnivores and with regards to cause a potential zoonosis.

Keywords

• acanthocephalans
• cestodes
• lizards
• nematodes
• parasites
• Reptilia
• Samara region
• snakes
• trematodes