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The article describes a case study that presents a new species of Aplectana in Ambystoma velasci found in Mexico. Topics covered include the identified species of Ambystoma, the materials and methods used to examine the specimens of Ambystoma velasci collected from Lago de Tecocomulco in Hidalgo, Mexico, and the description of the new species of Aplectana. It also discusses the taxonomic summary relating to Aplectana found in Ambystoma velasci.

Abstract: Hassalstrongylus Durette-Desset, 1971 (Nematoda: Heligmonellidae), includes 19 species that are distributed from the southwestern United States to central-western Argentina. Hassalstrongylus aduncus is a parasitic nematode of rodents from the subfamilies Arvicolinae, Murinae, and Sigmodontinae, and has been recorded from southern Virginia and Oklahoma to Costa Rica. This species was described by Chandler in 1932; the morphology of the synlophe was not included. Subsequently, in 1972, Durette-Desset described only the synlophe of the middle region of the body in both sexes. Despite its wide geographical distribution, to date, there has been no redescription that includes information complementary to the morphology of the synlophe, such as a study of the body surface or a molecular phylogenetic analysis. We reevaluated the morphology of some specimens that were presumably similar to H. aduncus parasite of Sigmodon sp. from Jalisco, Mexico, and it was determined that these corresponded to an undescribed species of the genus. Herein, we present a redescription of H. aduncus parasite of Sigmodon toltecus from Hidalgo, Mexico, with morphological traits such as the excretory pore, deirids, and ovijector, and provide a description of the synlophe in the anterior and posterior regions of both sexes and include scanning electron microscopy images. Hassalstrongylus geolayarum n. sp. is differentiated from H. aduncus by the number of ridges in the middle region of the body (23 vs. 21), as well as proportions between some traits of males and females such as total length/spicule length, total length/gubernaculum length, total length/length of the esophagus and total length/distance of the vulva and the size of the eggs (42 vs. 58 μm). Phylogenetic analysis is based on partial sequences of the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer region (ITS1 + 5.8S + ITS2) of the rDNA, using the maximum-parsimony, maximum-likelihood, and Bayesian inference methods revealed the close relationship of H. aduncus + H. geolayarum n. sp. within the Heligmosomoidea and confirmed the placement of the Hassalstrongylus monophyletic clade well-supported within Heligmonellidae. The new species presented a genetic divergence of 3.4-3.8% relative to H. aduncus. This is the first species of the genus described in Mexico. Presumably, there are more species not yet described throughout the geographic range of H. aduncus. A taxonomic review and molecular phylogenetic analysis are required in which more species and genes are analyzed in Heligmosomoidea to confirm the status of the nonmonophyletic groups recovered here., (© American Society of Parasitologists 2024.)

Salamanders of the tribe Bolitoglossini Hallowell are a highly diversified group of amphibians, and their helminth parasite fauna has been scarcely studied. Some species of plethodontid salamanders distributed along the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, in central Mexico, were sampled, and their helminth parasites were recovered for taxonomic identification. Specimens of a pharyngodonid nematode from 2 species of bolitoglossines of the genus Pseudoeurycea Taylor were morphologically identified as Batracholandros salamandrae (Schad, 1960) Petter and Quentin, 1976. These specimens were studied in further detail through light and scanning electron microscopy and were sequenced for 2 ribosomal genes and 1 mitochondrial gene to test the hypothesis of whether B. salamandrae is a species widely distributed in salamanders across the Nearctic biogeographic region, or if it represents a cryptic species complex. Our molecular results revealed that these specimens consisted of 2 genetic lineages in concordance with host species, although with slight morphological differences among specimens in each of them. A thorough study, including the generation of molecular data from individuals from other areas of North America, and the examination of type specimens, is required to test the reliability of these morphological differences and to corroborate the species identity of the 2 genetic lineages., (© American Society of Parasitologists 2020.)

Trichuris guanacastei n sp., a parasite isolated from the Salvin' spiny mouse Heteromys salvini, collected from the Guanacaste Conservation Area, Costa Rica, during February 1996 is described. The new species was compared morphologically with the 29 known species that parasitize rodents distributed in 12 families in North and South America; T. guanacastei n. sp. it is characterized by the following set of traits: presence of a spicular tube (measuring 0.72-0.99); thick proximal cloacal tube and a short distal cloacal tube with a total length of 0.72-1.36; eggs 0.03-0.05 long and a semi-protrusible vulva. The new species represents the first one described in the genus in Costa Rica and the fifth one described in the Americas that parasite Heteromyidae.

Fifty-five adult Dicrocoelium rileyi Macy, 1931 parasitizing Tadarida brasiliensis (Geoffroy, 1824) from Durango, Nuevo Leon, Puebla, Zacatecas and Mexico State were morphologically described and morphometrically analyzed. To evaluate the degree of variation among populations from the five localities, 27 morphometric measures of this species were transformed into an orthogonal factor by principal component analysis (PCA), and a posterior comparison among populations was performed using discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC). Significant differences were observed with exceptions between the Puebla - Zacatecas and Nuevo Leon - Mexico State populations when forming three groups with an 88 % assignation. The Durango population was the most dissimilar population. These results show that the morphological traits of D. rileyi are variable among the populations in this study due to local intraspecific variation; however, some of the specimens present in the distinct localities may represent different species. Molecular analysis is necessary to accurately define whether the populations involved in our study constitute one or several species.

As a part of an ongoing project to inventory the helminth parasites of rodents in Mexico, 85 specimens of 2 families of rodents were collected from the Mexican Plateau: Cricetidae ( Neotoma sp., Neotoma leucodon , Onychomys arenicola , Peromyscus sp., Peromyscus eremicus , and Reithrodontomys sp.) and Heteromyidae ( Chaetodipus sp., Chaetodipus eremicus , Chaetodipus hispidus , Dipodomys merriami , Dipodomys ordii , Dipodomys ornatus, Dipodomys spectabilis , Liomys irroratus , Perognathus sp., and Perognathus flavus ). A total of 13 taxa of helminths were found: Heteromyoxyuris longejector, Heteromyoxyuris otomii, Heteromyoxyuris sp., Onchocercidae gen. sp. 1 and sp. 2, Physalopteridae gen. sp., Protospirura dipodomis, Pterygodermatites dipodomis, Subulura sp., Syphacia sp., Trichuris dipodomis, Vexillata liomyos, and Vexillata armande. The highest species richness was recorded in D. merriami (7 taxa). This study is the first report of nematodes from O. arenicola (Physalopteridae gen. sp.) and C. eremicus (H. longejector) and for V. liomyos from D. merriami . All reports of these species of nematodes represent new collection localities in Mexico.

We document parasitation of a wild cougar ( Puma concolor ) by the nematode Lagochilascaris minor in Hidalgo State, Mexico. This finding contributes to our understanding of the epidemiology of this zoonotic agent in Mexico.

The helminth parasite fauna of the hylid frog Pseudacris hypochondriaca in several localities along the Baja California Peninsula in northwestern Mexico is presented. The helminth fauna consists of 4 species of nematodes (Oswaldocruzia pipiens, a larval form of an Ascaridid, 2 new species belonging to the genera Rhabdias and Cosmocercoides), and 1 species of digenean ( Gorgoderina sp.). The new species of Rhabdias represents the 88th species assigned to the genus and the third species described from Mexican anurans. Also, the species of Cosmocercoides represents the 20th species assigned to the genus and the first representative of this genus described from Mexico.

Species distribution modelling has been a powerful tool to explore the potential distribution of parasites in wildlife, being the basis of studies on biogeography. Vexillata spp. are intestinal nematodes found in several species of mammalian hosts, such as rodents (Geomyoidea) and hares (Leporidae) in the Nearctic and northern Neotropical regions. In the present study, we modelled the potential distribution of Vexillata spp. and their hosts, using exclusively species from the Geomyidae and Heteromyidae families, in order to identify their distributional patterns. Bioclimatic and topographic variables were used to identify and predict suitable habitats for Vexillata and its hosts. Using these models, we identified that temperature seasonality is a significant environmental factor that influences the distribution of the parasite genus and its host. In particular, the geographical distribution is estimated to be larger than that predicted for its hosts. This suggests that the nematode has the potential to extend its geographical range and also its spectrum of host species. Increasing sample size and geographical coverage will contribute to recommendations for conservation of this host-parasite system.

Heteromyoxyuris otomii n. sp., which inhabits the intestinal caecum of Perognathus flavus (Heteromyidae), in Zaragoza, Hidalgo, Mexico, is described. This new species differs from the 2 other congeneric species in the morphology and length of lateral alae in males. Heteromyoxyuris deserti has simple lateral alae located at both sides of the body, whereas in the new species, these structures are double at both sides; in contrast, lateral alae of Heteromyoxyuris longejector begin at the posterior half of the body, whereas they arise in the first third in the new species. Heteromyoxyuris longejector was found in 2 new host species, i.e., Perognathus amplus and Chaetodipus hispidus. This record represents the first record for the species in Mexico, increasing its geographic distribution.

On the basis of the revision of the type material of Anoplostrongylus delicatus Schwartz, 1927, and new specimens collected from Tadarida brasiliensis mexicana (Saussure, 1860) in 4 arid localities from Mexico, we describe a new genus (Tadaridanema n. gen.), to which A. delicatus is transferred (as Tadaridanema delicatus (Schwartz, 1927) n. gen., n. comb.). This new genus differs from all other genera included in Anoplostrongylinae by having ray 2 larger than ray 3. In addition, T. delicatus can be differentiated from the type species of Anoplostrongylus (Anoplostrongylus paradoxus (Travassos, 1918)) because it possess vestibular branches equal in length, cephalic inflation divided into 2 regions, and synlophe with many small ridges at the midbody level, whereas in T. delicatus, vestibular branches are equal in size, cephalic inflation is simple in structure, and the synlophe has only 2 well-developed dorsal cuticular ridges.

Vexillata geomyos n. sp. is described as a parasite of Attwater's pocket gopher, Geomys attwateri (Geomyidae), from Welder Wildlife Refuge, Texas. The new species possesses 12 cuticular ridges; based on this character, it can be distinguished from 7 of the 13 species in the genus. From the 6 remaining species, V. geomyos can be differentiated because the dorsal ray in 3 of them (V. armandae, V. dessetae, and V. vexillata) has 2 short branches arising from main trunk, whereas dorsal ray of the new species lacks these branches. In addition, V. geomyos can be distinguished from V. brooksi because its spicules are divided at the tip (whereas in the new species, spicules are whole). The new species differs from V. legallae and V. convoluta in the number and arrangement of cuticular ridges at the posterior region of the body.

Sciurodendrium bravohollisae n. sp. (Heligmonellidae) is described as an intestinal parasite of 2 squirrels, Sciurus aureogaster Cuvier, 1829, collected from Los Robles, Municipio de Tlalnepantla, Morelos State, Mexico. The new species differs from all other congeners in possessing a very well-developed and sacciform genital cone. This is the seventh species described for the genus and the first one recorded in Mexico.

Caballerolecythus ibunami n. gen., n. sp. is described from the intestine of 2 species of rodents (Liomys irroratus [Gray, 1868] and Peromyscus difficilis [Allen, 1891]) from Piñonal, El Carmen Tequexquitla, Tlaxcala state, Mexico. These specimens represent a new genus and a new species of Dicrocoeliinae by possession of an extremely short ceca (ending at equatorial level of ovary); vitelline follicles that begin posterior to these structures, without overlapping; and a body that is long and slender (length/width ratio 1:17-21). To the best of our knowledge, this combination of characters has not been reported in other genera of this subfamily (Athesmia Looss, 1899; Unilaterilecithum Oshmarin in Skrjabin and Evranova, 1952; and Pseudathesmia Travassos, 1942).

In July 1999, 2 heteromyid rodents Heteromys desmarestianus Gray, 1868, were collected from the Area de Conservación Guanacaste, Costa Rica, and examined for parasites. Individuals of a new species of Vexillata (Travassos, 1937) Durette-Desset, 1970, were found from the intestine of hosts. Vexillata brooksi n. sp. differs from all other congeners by the presence of spicules divided at the tip instead of simple spicules. The new species closely resembles Vexillata legallae Denke, 1977, and Vexillata convoluta (Caballero and Cerecero, 1943); however, it can be distinguished from both species by possessing a smaller number of cuticular ridges at the posterior part of the body in males (9 vs. 11 and 12, respectively) and by the absence of a carene at this level.

The present study analyses the taxonomic status of eleven species of trichostrongylins that parasitize rodents and lagomorphs deposited in the Colección Nacional de Helmintos, Instituto de Biología. UNAM. Mexico. This analysis is based on the morphology of the synlophe, characteristic that had not been studied for most of these nematode species and at present, it has a very important taxonomic value. As a result of this study, the identity of five species is ratified (Trichostrongylus calcaratus, Obeliscoides cuniculi, Carolinensis huehuetlana. Stilestrongylus peromysci and Nippostrongylus brasiliensis), the transference suggested previously for two more (Vexillata convoluta and Vexillata vexillata) is confirmed, Trichostrongylus chiapensis is synonymized with Boehmiella willsoni, and finally Lamothiella romerolagi is re-determined as Teporingonema cerropeladoensis and Stilestrongylus atlatilpinensis as Stilestrongylus hidalguensis.

Individuals of a new species of Vexillata were collected from the small intestines of Liomys pictus from the Estaci6n de Biología Chamela, in Jalisco State, Mexico. The new species shows an array of characters that allow us to recognize it as a member of Vexillata; however, it can be distinguished from other species of the genus in that males possess an asymmetrical caudal bursa, females possess a characteristic cuticular inflation at the level of the ovijector, and both sexes possess a synlophe with 9 ridges at the midbody. Additional detail of the synlophe of Vexillata armandae Gardner et al., 1994 from Chaetodipus hispidus in New Mexico shows that both sexes have 12 cuticular ridges just posterior to the cephalic inflation, and in the posterior region of the body, females have 9 ridges of equal size while males possess 11 equal-sized ridges. In both sexes, the carene disappears at the posterior end of the body.

Stilestrongylus peromysci n. sp. collected from Peromyscus difficilis (Hidalgo state, México), differs from other species in the genus in number of the spines (30) in the synlophe (both sexes) and because the eighth ray arises from the root of the ninth ray; S. hidalguensis n. sp. parasitised Peromyscus sp. and differs from all other congeneric species in the presence of 24 spines in the male synlophe and in the arrangement of the bursal rays (2-2-1 in the right lobe and 2-3 in the left lobe). A key to the species of Stilestrongylus is provided.