Notes on Helminthofauna of the Caucasian Toad, <i>Bufo Verrucosissimus</i> (Pallas, 1814)

Abstract

The purpose of the research is to study helminthofauna of Caucasian toad in vivo and in vitro. Materials and methods. Researches were conducted in vivo and in laboratory setting (Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy). Fecal from mature animals catching in six places in the north Caucasus and Transcaucasia during April–May 2012–2015 were investigated. Specimen of animals contained in laboratory during 1–4 years after catching and born in vitro have also be analyzed. Method of sequential irrigation was used for detachment helminths and their ootids. Died animals were anatomized according to Skryabin's method. Total 200 fecal samples of bufo in vivo and 150 samples of animals from laboratory have been studied.Results and discussion. Results and discussion. Eggs and adult proboscis worms of four species have been found in fecal of Caucasian toad: Acanthocephalus falcatus (Froelich, 1789), A. ranae (Schrank, 1788), Pseudoacanthocephalus bufonis (Shipley, 1903) и P. caucasicus (Petrochenko, 1953). Eggs of P. caucasicus were found in fecal masses of laboratory animals even in 4 years after catching. Helminths were not found in fecal of animals which were born in laboratory. Worms of four species were found in the process of helminthological autopsy of eight died species of Bufo caucasicus: Aplectana acuminata (Schrank, 1788), Cosmocerca commutata (Diesing, 1851), Oswaldocruzia filiformis Goeze 1782, Rhabdias bufonis (Schrank, 1788).

Keywords

• caucasian toad
• bufo verrucosissimus
• north caucasus
• transcaucasia
• helminthofauna