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The Carolina chickadee, Poecile carolinensis Audubon is a relatively small songbird belonging to the tit and chickadee family Paridae. Feces from three P. carolinensis from Polk County, Arkansas, USA, and a single P. carolinensis in McCurtain County, Oklahoma, USA, were collected and examined for coccidia; the latter bird was found to be passing a new species of Isospora. Oöcysts of Isospora oklahomaensis n. sp. are subspheroidal to ovoidal with a smooth to slightly-pitted bi-layered wall, measure (L × W) 32.1 × 28.3 µm, and have a length/width (L/W) ratio of 1.1; a micropyle and oöcyst residuum were absent but a bilobed and refractile polar granule is present. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal and measure 18.4 × 11.8 µm, L/W 1.6; a prominent Stieda body is present as well as a distinct sub-Stieda body. The sporocyst residuum is composed of an irregular mass of granules lying between and dispersed among the sporozoites. This is the first coccidian described from the Carolina chickadee and, most importantly, only the second described from a member of the Paridae, worldwide.

Nothing is known about the coccidian parasites of vagrant shrews, Sorex vagrans Baird, 1868. Here we report, for the first time, the occurrence of Eimeria longirostris Hertel and Duszynski, 1987 from faecal contents of S. vagrans from Montana, USA. Faecal samples, collected in July and August 2020 from six pitfall-trapped vagrant shrews as well as faeces from two masked shrews, Sorex cinereus Kerr, 1792, and one American pygmy shrew, Sorex hoyi Baird, 1857 from Missoula County, Montana, USA, were examined for coccidian parasites. Samples were placed in individual vials containing aqueous potassium dichromate. They were examined for coccidia after flotation in Sheather’s sugar solution, measured, and photographed. Three (50%) S. vagrans and one (50%) S. cinereus were found to be passing oocysts of Eimeria longirostris Hertel and Duszynski, 1987; the single S. hoyi was negative. Oocysts from S. vagrans were subspheroidal and measured (average L × W) 16.1 × 14.4 µm with an L/W ratio of 1.1. One (typically) to two polar granules was present but a micropyle and oocyst residuum were absent. Sporocysts were ovoidal and measured 9.6 × 6.2 µm with an L/W ratio of 1.6. A Stieda body was present but subStieda and paraStieda bodies were absent. The sporocyst residuum was composed of various sized granules typically scattered between and across the sporozoites but sometimes formed a loose aggregate or compact mass. We document a new host and new geographic record for E. longirostris from S. vagrans and report the coccidian from S. cinereus for the third time but the first report from specimens from Montana. This coccidian has now been reported from at least 12 species of shrews within the genus Sorex in 14 US states and two provinces in Canada.

Three types of parasites, two intraerythrocytic and one Isospora species, were recorded to infect lizard Trapelus savignii (Reptilia: Agamidae) collected in summer 2019 from the Eastern Desert in Egypt. The current intraerythrocytic parasites are haemogregarine species and unusual intraerythrocytic cytoplasmic vacuolar inclusions (ICVIs). Blood stages of haemogregarine species are differentiated into three forms; trophozoite, intermediate form, and mature gamont. Trophozoites measure 7.50–8.50 (8.10±0.30) × 2.20–2.40 (2.30±0.06) μm while intermediate forms and mature gamonts measure 7.89–10.39 (9.32±0.85) × 3.9–5.18 (4.32±0.45) and 8.87–12.13 (10.25±0.90) × 2.50–4.35 (3.45± 0.58) μm,respectively. ICVIs are un- or pale-stained with Giemsa and measure 1.62–5.45 (3.64±0.87) × 1.45–5.35 (3.51±1.10) μm. At the ultrastructure level, ICVIs appeared as a membrane-bound electron-lucent matrix and contain three types of materials according to their electron density that may resemble chromatin granules. No nucleus, Golgi apparatus, mitochondria, or any apical complex structure is observed within ICVIs. Effects of haemogregarine species and ICVIs on the infected erythrocytes are recorded. Exogenous and endogenous developmental stages of the present Isospora sp. are described. Sporulated oocysts are mostly spherical, contain bilayered wall, and measure 22.48–27.71 (25.47±1.81) × 21.69–26.91 (24.37±1.73). Oocyst residuum, polar granule and micropyle are absent. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal and measure 13.79–15.84 (14.97±0.67) × 8.80–11.03 (9.97±0.70). Stieda body is nipple-like while sub-Stieda body is absent. Multinucleate meronts contain up to 34 nuclei and measure 6.29–19.83 (11.91±4.58) × 5.43–10.76 (7.57±1.75). Developed microgamonts measure 16.59–18.89 (17.74±0.94) × 15.61–18.63 (17.12±1.24) while mature macrogamonts measure 16.34–24.27 (19.95±2.98) × 12.0–20.28 (16.92±3.22).

A new Eimeria species is described from a common bronzewing pigeon (Phaps chalcoptera) (Latham, 1790) in Western Australia. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria chalcoptereae n. sp. (n = 30) are subspheroidal, 22-25 × 21-24 (23.5 × 22.6) μm; length/width (L/W) ratio 1.0-1.1 (1.04) μm. Wall bi-layered, 1.0-1.4 (1.2) μm thick, outer layer smooth, c.2/3 of total thickness. Micropyle barely discernible. Oocyst residuum is absent, but 2 to 3 small polar granules are present. Sporocysts (n = 30) ellipsoidal, 13-14 × 7-8 (13.5 × 7.2) μm; L/W ratio 1.8-2.0 (1.88). Stieda body present, flattened to half-moon-shaped, 0.5 × 2.0 μm; sub-Stieda present, rounded to trapezoidal, 1.5 × 2.5 μm; para-Stieda body absent; sporocyst residuum present, usually as an irregular body consisting of numerous small granules that appear to be membrane-bound. Sporozoites vermiform, with a robust refractile body and centrally located nucleus. Isolated Eimeria oocysts were analysed at the 18S and 28S ribosomal RNA and the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase (COI) loci. Analyses revealed that Eimeria chalcoptereae n. sp. shared the highest number of molecular features with an Eimeria sp. previously identified from a domestic pigeon in Australia (KT305927-29), with similarities at these three loci of 98.53%, 97.32% and 94.93%, respectively. According to morphological and molecular analysis, the isolated coccidian parasite is a new species of Eimeria named Eimeria chalcoptereae n. sp. after its host, the common bronzewing pigeon (Phaps chalcoptera) (Columbiformes: Columbidae) (Latham, 1790).

Coccidia are obligatory intracellular parasites with at least one intestinal phase in their life cycles, being Isospora Schneider, 1881 the main coccidian genus related to the order Passeriformes. However, there is no record of isosporans from the passerine family Tityridae, which is the family of the greenish schiffornis Schiffornis virescens (Lafresnaye, 1838). This study aimed to examine the faeces from a greenish schiffornis S. virescens captured in the Itatiaia National Park, State of Rio de Janeiro, Southeastern Brazil, to determine what coccidian parasites were present. Only one specimen of Schiffornis virescens was captured with mist nets. Coccidian oocysts were recovered from the fecal samples by flotation in Sheather’s saturated solution. Morphological observations, line drawings, photomicrographs and measurements were made in optical microscopy and digitally edited. The molecular analysis included the study of the sequence of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene, with phylogenetic reconstructions based on the Neighbor-Joining and Maximum Likelihood analysis. An Isospora sp. considered as new to science is described and identified from Schiffornis virescens (Lafresnaye, 1838). Isospora oliveirai n. sp. has oocysts that are subspheroidal, 26.0 × 24.8 μm, with rough, bilayered wall, c.2.5 μm thick. Micropyle and oocyst residuum absent, but one to six polar granules are present. Sporocysts lemon-shaped, 18.1 × 10.9 μm. The Stieda body is knob-like to half-moon-shaped and sub-Stieda is rounded. Sporocyst residuum is present, composed of scattered spherules of different sizes. Sporozoites are vermiform, with refractile bodies and nucleus. Molecular analysis at the COI gene exhibited similarity of 97% with Isospora serinuse Yang, Brice, Elliot et Ryan, 2015 from island canaries Serinus canaria (Linnaeus, 1758), and Isospora spp. from great tits Parus major (Linnaeus, 1758) and European robins Erithacus rubecula (Linnaeus, 1758). Based on the morphological and molecular features, I. oliveirai is considered as new to science and the first coccidian species recorded from Tityridae.

We describe three new coccidian species of the genus Eimeria Schneider 1875 (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) and redescribe and report Eimeria zygodontomyis Lainson and Shaw, 1990 in the montane grass mouse, Akodon montensis Thomas, 1913 from the Serra dos Órgãos National Park in southeastern Brazil. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria zygodontomyis are ellipsoidal to cylindrical with a 0.6 (0.5-0.8) μm thick very delicate bi-layered wall; length × width (n = 49) 18.3 × 12.5 (16-20 × 11-13) μm; length/width ratio of 1.4 (1.2-1.6); 1 polar granule occasionally present; micropyle, residuum both absent. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal; length × width 8.5 × 5.2 (8-11 × 5-6) μm; length/width ratio of 1.5 (1.3-1.7) μm; Stieda body is prominent; sub-Stieda body is absent; sporocyst residuum is compact. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria montensis n. sp. are spheroidal to subspheroidal with a 1.2 (1.0-1.4) μm thick bi-layered wall; outer layer lightly pitted; length × width (n = 30) 16.3 × 12.5 (15-17 × 13-15) μm; length/width ratio of 1.3 (1.0-1.4); 1 polar granule present; micropyle, residuum both absent. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal; length × width 7.2 × 5.1 (6-8 × 4-6) μm; length/width ratio of 1.4 (1.2-1.6); Stieda body is present, sub-Stieda body is absent; sporocyst residuum consists of small, scattered granules. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria uricanensis n. sp. are ovoidal to pyriform with a 1.4 ( 1.3-1.6) μm thick bi-layered wall; outer layer lightly pitted; length × width (n = 40) 26.6 × 18.6 (23-30 × 17-20) μm; length/width ratio of 1.4 (1.3-1.6); 1 polar granule present; micropyle, residuum both absent. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal, length × width 13.3 × 8.0 (10-16 × 7-9) μm; length/width ratio of 1.7 (1.5-1.9); Stieda body, sub-Stieda body both absent; sporocyst residuum consists of a cluster of granules, forming a spheroid mass. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria parnasiensis n. sp. are subspheroidal to ellipsoidal with a 1.8 ( 1.3-2.4) μm thick bi-layered wall; outer layer lightly pitted; length × width (n = 54) 28.2 × 21.9 (26-32 × 19-28) μm; length/width ratio of 1.3 (1.2-1.4); 1 polar granule present; micropyle is absent; oocyst residuum is present and consists of a cluster of granules of varying thickness. Sporocysts are ovoidal, tapering towards the Stieda body; length × width 12.2 × 7.6 (10-13 × 6-9) μm; length/width ratio of 1.6 (1.4-1.9); Stieda body is present; sub-Stieda body is absent; sporocyst residuum is present and consists of an aggregate of thin granules.

A new Caryospora-like isolate is described from a magpie-lark (Grallina cyanoleuca) in Western Australia. Sporulated oocysts of the Caryospora-like isolate (n = 35) are subspherical with a shape index of 1.13 ((21.5 (19.7-23.6) × 19.0 (18.1-19.8) μm). The bilayered oocyst wall is smooth. Micropyle, polar granule and oocyst residuum are absent. The sporocyst is ellipsoidal, 18.9 (17.2-20.8) × 12.3 (11.9-12.8) μm, with a shape index (length/width) of 1.54. The sporocyst wall is bilayered. Stieda and substieda bodies are present, the Stieda body is small and flattened and the substieda is trapezoidal. Sporocyst with eight sporozoites arranged head to tail. The sporozoites are vermiform, 18.9 (17.2-20.8) × 12.3 (11.9-12.8) μm and have striations at the anterior end. Each sporozoite has both anterior and posterior refractile bodies. A sporocyst residuum is present. Molecular characterization of the isolated Caryospora-like oocysts was conducted at the 18S ribosomal RNA and the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase (COI) loci. At the 18S rRNA locus, the Caryospora-like isolate exhibited 88.8% to 96.5% similarity with other Caryospora spp. from different hosts. At the COI locus, it showed 91.5% similarity to Caryospora cf. bigenetica JB-2013 (KF859856) from the rattlesnake, Sistrurus catenatus.

Using a combination of morphological and molecular data, we describe a new apicomplexan parasite, Isospora svecica sp. n., from the white-spotted bluethroat, Luscinia svecica cyanecula, from the Czech Republic. Oocysts were found in its intestinal tract. Sporulation was exogenous and took 1-3 days. The oocysts were slightly ellipsoidal, of average size 26.17 × 20.33 μm, with a smooth bilayered wall. Micropyle, oocyst residuum, and polar granules were absent. Sporocysts were bottle-shaped, of an average size of 18.82 × 8.82 μm, with a thin, colourless wall. A conspicuous knob-like Stieda body was present. Substieda body was barely visible. Sporocyst residuum was present in the form of granules of various sizes. Sporozoites were banana-shaped and contained large anterior and small posterior refractile bodies. Partial DNA sequences of three genes were obtained from oocysts of Isospora svecica sp. n., being most closely related to other isosporans described from passerines. Little is known about the parasites of the avian family Muscicapidae, including coccidia, a highly prevalent parasitic protist group in all vertebrate classes. Only six species of the genus Isospora have so far been described in Muscicapidae, together with several "Isospora sp." that in fact most likely represent Isospora lacazei. The newly described Isospora svecica sp. n. differs morphologically from other coccidia reported from muscicapid birds, and represents the first coccidian species described from Luscinia svecica.

A new Isospora (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) species is described from an Australian raven (Corvus coronoides) in Western Australia. Sporulated oocysts (n = 21) are ovoid, 21.2 (18.4-23.9) μm in length and 18.8 (16.9-20.6) μm in width, with a shape index of 1.13. The bi-layered oocyst wall is smooth and colourless, 1.2 μm thick. A polar granule and oocyst residuum is present, but the micropyle is absent. The sporocysts are ovoid-shaped, 16.3 (13.7-18.9) × 10.7 (8.4-12.9) μm, with a shape index (length/width) of 1.52. Stieda and substieda bodies are present, the Stieda body being small and hemidome-shaped and the substieda being indistinct. Each sporocyst with four vermiform sporozoites arranged head to tail. The sporozoites are crescent-shaped, 9.0 (8.9-9.2) × 2.7 (2.3-3.0) μm, with a shape index (length/width) of 3.33. The sporocyst residuum is present. The isolated oocysts had different morphological characteristics when compared with all known Isospora spp. The coccidian parasite was analysed at the 18S and 28S ribosomal RNA and the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase (COI) loci. At the 18S locus, I. coronoideae n. sp. exhibited 98.9% similarity to I. neochmiae from a captive-bred red-browed finch (KT224380) and Isospora sp. from domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica) (AB757860), 98.5% similarity to I. gryphoni (AF080613) from an American goldfinch and 98.3% similarity to I. manorinae (KT224379) from a yellow-throated miner. At the 28S locus, it exhibited 95.4% and 94.8% similarity to I. manorinae (KT224381) and I. anthochaerae (KF766053), respectively. At the COI locus, it exhibited 99.8% and 99.7% similarity to I. butcherae (KY801687) and I. neochmiae (KT224378), respectively. Based on morphological and molecular data, this isolate is a new species of Isospora, which is named Isospora coronoideae n. sp. after its host, the Australian raven (Corvus coronoides) (Passeriformes: Corvidae) (Linnaeus, 1758).

The gnateaters Conopophaga spp. are insectivorous passerines commonly observed in high and humid forests, where they remain lodged in thin branches and, sometimes, they fly to the ground to catch insects. The insectivorous feeding habit is related to low prevalence and density of coccidians in passerines; however, several coccidian species are recorded for families of insectivorous passerines. This study aimed to examine the feces from gnateaters Conopophaga spp. captured in the municipality of Barra Mansa and in the Itatiaia National Park, State of Rio de Janeiro, Southeastern Brazil, to determine what coccidian parasites were present. Nine gnateaters were captured with mist nets. Coccidian oocysts were recovered from the fecal samples by flotation in Sheather’s saturated solution. Morphological observations, line drawings, photomicrographs and measurements were made in optical microscopy and digitally edited. The molecular analysis included the study of the sequence of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene, with phylogenetic reconstructions based on the neighbor-joining and maximum likelihood analysis. Four Conopophaga spp. were positive for oocysts. An Isospora sp. considered as new to science is described and identified from Conopophaga melanops (Vieillot, 1818) and Conopophaga lineata (Wied, 1831). Isospora borbai n. sp. has oocysts that are subspheroidal, 17–22 × 15–22 (20.2 × 19.1) µm, with rough, bilayered wall, c.1.7 μm thick. Micropyle present, but without micropyle cap. Oocyst residuum absent, but one or two polar granules are present. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal, 12–15 × 8–11 (14.1 × 9.1) µm. The Stieda body is knob-like to half-moon-shaped and sub-Stieda body is rounded. Sporocyst residuum is present, composed of scattered spherules of different sizes. Sporozoites are vermiform with refractile body and nucleus. Molecular analysis at the cox1 gene exhibited similarity greater than 99% with Isospora spp. isolates from other Neotropical passerine birds. Based on the morphological and molecular features, I. borbai is considered as new to science and the first coccidian species recorded from Conopophagidae.

We examined faeces of 76 endangered Tibetan antelopes Pantholops hodgsonii (Abel) in May 2017, from the Hoh Xil Nature Reserve, Qinghai Province, China, and found 62/76 (82%) discharging oöcysts representing five new species of Eimeria Schneider, 1875. Oöcysts of Eimeria pantholopensis n. sp., found in 54/76 (71%) chiru, are subspheroidal/ellipsoidal, 15-22 × 12-19 (18.6 × 16.1) µm, with a length/width (L/W) ratio of 1.0-1.3 (1.2); micropyle cap and 1-3 polar granules are present, but oöcyst residuum is absent. Sporocysts are ovoidal, 7-11 × 4-6 (9.2 × 5.3) µm, with a L/W ratio of 1.6-2.0 (1.7); Stieda body and sporocyst residuum of small, scattered granules are present; each sporozoite contains 2 refractile bodies. Oöcysts of Eimeria wudaoliangensis n. sp. found in 52/76 (68%) chiru, are pyriform, 21-29 × 17-21 (24.9 × 19.0) µm, with a L/W ratio of 1.1-1.5 (1.3); micropyle, micropyle cap and 1-4 polar granules are present, but oöcyst residuum is absent. Sporocysts are ovoidal, 9-13 × 5-8 (11.7 × 6.7) µm, with a L/W ratio of 1.4-2.7 (1.7); Stieda body and sporocyst residuum of disbursed granules are present; sporozoites have a single large refractile body. Oöcysts of Eimeria hodgsonii n. sp. found in 20/76 (26%) chiru, are elongate-ellipsoidal, 25-32 × 18-21 (28.9 × 19.8) µm, with a L/W ratio of 1.2-1.7 (1.5); micropyle, micropyle cap and 1-3 polar granules are present, but oöcyst residuum is absent. Sporocysts are ovoidal, 11-14 × 6-7 (12.3 × 6.8) µm, with a L/W ratio of 1.7-2.1 (1.8); Stieda body and sporocyst residuum as group of large granules lying along the interface between intertwined sporozoites are present; sporozoites have 2 refractile bodies. Oöcysts of Eimeria schalleri n. sp. found in 49/76 (64.5%) chiru, are ellipsoidal, 26-36 × 19-25 (30.4 × 23.2) µm, with a L/W ratio of 1.2-1.5 (1.3); micropyle with micropyle cap and polar granules appearing as many diffuse tiny bodies are present, but oöcyst residuum is absent. Sporocysts are ovoidal, 12-16 × 7-9 (14.2 × 7.8) µm, with a L/W ratio of 1.6-2.1 (1.8); Stieda body and sporocyst residuum are present, the latter as a group of small dispersed granules between intertwined sporozoites; sporozoites with 2 refractile bodies. Oöcysts of Eimeria sui n. sp. found in 4/76 (5%) chiru, are ovoidal, 32-38 × 26-30 (36.6 × 28.6) µm, with a L/W ratio of 1.0-1.4 (1.3); micropyle and micropyle cap and 1-3 polar granules are present, but oöcyst residuum is absent. Sporocysts are ovoidal, 15-18 × 8-10 (16.7 × 8.9) µm, with a L/W ratio of 1.7-2.1 (1.9); Stieda body and sporocyst residuum are present, the latter as a group of dispersed small granules; sporozoites with 2 refractile bodies. Five of 62 faecal samples in which oöcysts were detected (8%) had a single species infection, 13 of 62 (21%) had two species, 28 of 62 (45%) had three species and 16 of 62 (26%) had four species.

Recurrent coccidiosis affecting a commercial chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar) farm in Ontario, Canada was investigated. The responsible pathogenic Eimeria species was isolated for biological characterization. The uniformity of oocyst morphometrics supported that only a single Eimeria sp. was present. Experimental infections with coccidia-free chukars were used to describe exogenous and endogenous developmental stages of the parasite. The prepatent period of the causative Eimeria species was 5 days and patency lasted 11 days; fecundity was 1,573 to 30,057, with the highest fecundity recorded with the lowest challenge dose. Endogenous development was elucidated histologically from samples collected at 8 locations along the intestinal tract at 26 time points throughout prepatency. The parasite had 5 asexual generations before oocyst formation that were located from the mid-jejunum to the mid-rectum and in the ceca. Sporulation of oocysts suspended in potassium dichromate at room temperature (22 C) occurred within 24 hr. Oocysts (n = 50) averaged 21.8 by 18.6 µm and featured a polar granule; sporocysts (n = 50) averaged 10.9 by 7.1 µm and possessed a Stieda body, sub-Stieda body, sporozoite refractile bodies, and sporocyst residuum. Comparisons with described Eimeria spp. infecting partridges suggest that the biological features of this pathogenic species are unique; similarly, sequences from both mitochondrial and nuclear loci support the naming of this new Eimeria species.

Forty-nine olive-backed pocket mice, Perognathus fasciatus were collected during 2011 and 2012 from 4 sites in Wyoming and examined for coccidian parasites. Fifteen (31%) were found to be passing oocysts of a new species of Eimeria Schneider, 1875. Sporulated oocysts of Eimeria fasciata n. sp. are ellipsoidal to ovoidal, 23.3 × 20.7 (19–27 × 17–25) µm, with a shape index of 1.1; they typically contain a single, smooth, bubble-like oocyst residuum. Oocysts possess 1–2 polar granules, lack a micropyle, and are bilayered with a thickness of 1.3 µm. Sporocysts are ovoidal, 10.0 × 8.2 (8–12 × 7–10) µm, with a shape index of 1.2; they contain a sporocyst residuum that appears similar to a cluster of 1–8 grapes. The Stieda body is small, appearing flattened to knobby, and there are no subStieda or paraStieda bodies. This new eimerian represents the only coccidian, to date, reported from P. fasciatus, as well as the only species from any heteromyid rodent in Wyoming.

An Isospora species, Isospora amphiboluri, originally described by Canon in 1967 and later by McAllister et al. (1995), was isolated from a central netted dragon (Ctenophorus nuchalis) housed at a wildlife rehabilitation centre in Perth, Western Australia. Sporulated oocysts of Isospora amphiboluri (n = 30) are spherical, 24.2 (26.5–23.0) μm in length and 23.9 (22.4–25.9) μm in width, with a shape index of 1.01. The bilayered oocyst wall is smooth and light-yellow in color. Polar granule, oocyst residuum and micropyle are absent. The sporocysts are lemon-shaped, 15.7 (15.2–18.0) × 10.2 (8.9–11.2) μm, with a shape index (length/width) of 1.53. Stieda and substieda bodies are present, the Stieda body being small and hemidome-shaped and the substieda half-moon-shaped. Each sporocyst contains four vermiform sporozoites arranged head to tail. The sporozoites are 11.7 (9.9–16.2) × 3.0 (2.4–3.5) μm, with a shape index (length/width) of 3.87. A sporocyst residuum is present. Sporozoites contain a central nucleus with a finely distributed granular residuum. Comparison of oocyst measurements and their features with other valid Isospora species from hosts in the Agamid family confirmed that this Isospora species is Isospora amphiboluri. Molecular characterization of I. amphiboluri at the 18S rRNA and MTCOI loci showed the highest similarity with I. amphiboluri from the central bearded dragon, 99.8% and 99.7% respectively. This is the first report of I. amphiboluri from a central netted dragon in Australia.

The summer tanager, Piranga rubra (L., 1758) is a medium-sized songbird formerly belonging to the tanager family Thraupidae but now has been placed within the family Cardinalidae. Nothing is known about the coccidian parasites of this stunningly colorful bird. Feces from 2 P. rubra found dead in McCurtain County, Oklahoma were collected and examined for coccidia; 1 was found to be passing a new species of Isospora. Oocysts of Isospora mccurtainensis n. sp. are subspheroidal to ovoidal with a smooth bilayered wall, measure (length × width [L × W]) 21.7 × 19.5 μm, and have a L/W ratio of 1.1; a micropyle and oocyst residuum were absent but a bilobed and refractile polar granule is present. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal and measure 13.9 × 8.6 μm, L/W 1.6; a knoblike Stieda body is present as well as a distinct sub-Stieda body. The sporocyst residuum is composed of a granular compact cluster with a dense, irregular mass of granules lying between and dispersed among the sporozoites. This is the first coccidian reported from P. rubra and, most important, only the first known from the Cardinalidae in the mainland of the United States.

A new Isospora species is described from New Holland honeyeaters (Phylidonyris novaehollandiae). Sporulated oocysts (n = 25) were characterised as subspheroidal, 29–32 × 28–31 (29.8 × 29.4); length/width (L/W) ratio 1.01–1.02 (1.01). Wall bi-layered, 1.3–1.6 (1.5) thick, outer layer smooth, c.2/3 of total thickness. Micropyle and oocyst residuum absent, but usually two polar granules are present. Sporocysts (n = 25) ovoidal, 18–19 × 12–14 (18.4 × 12.3); L/W ratio 1.42–1.53 (1.50). Stieda body present, flattened, c.0.5 deep × 2.5 wide; sub-Stieda present, rounded, c.2.5 deep × 3.5 wide; para-Stieda body absent; sporocyst residuum present, usually a distinctly irregular body consisting of numerous small granules that appear to be membrane-bound. Sporozoites vermiform, with robust anterior and posterior refractile bodies. Molecular characterization was conducted at the 18S and 28S ribosomal RNA and the mitochondrial (mt) cytochrome oxidase (COI) loci. Phylogenetic analysis of genomic 18S and mt COI sequences indicated that Isospora phylidonyrisae n. sp. was genetically similar to Isospora coronoideae, isolated from an Australian raven (Corvus coronoides) in Western Australia, with a 99.3% and 98.4% homology, respectively. The 28S rRNA sequence was most similar to Isospora anthochaerae (KF766053) and Isospora manorinae (KT224381), both with a 98.2% genetic similarity. Based on morphological and genetic data, this isolate is a new species of Isospora, which is named Isospora phylidonyrisae n. sp. after its host.

A new coccidian species, Isospora lugensae n. sp., was described from a single Kerguelen petrel (Lugensa brevirostris). Sporulated oocysts (n = 25) were characterized as subspheroidal to ellipsoidal measuring 24–25 μm × 21–23 μm (24.8 × 22.2 μm) in length/width (L/W), respectively, with a ratio of 1.07–1.14 μm (1.12). They contained a bi-layered wall with a thickness of 0.8–1.2 μm (1.0) and the outer layer smooth, with c.2/3 of total thickness. The oocyst contained two polar granules with both micropyle and oocyst residuum absent. Ovoidal sporocysts (n = 25) measured 15–16 μm × 10–11 μm (15.7 × 10.8 μm) in L/W, with a ratio of 1.41–1.49 μm (1.46). A flattened to knob-like Stieda body was present (c.0.5 μm deep × 2.5 μm wide) as well as a rounded to trapezoidal sub-Stieda (c.1.5 μm deep × 3.0 μm wide); however, no para-Stieda body was detected. The sporocyst residuum was composed of scattered spherules of different sizes, while vermiform sporozoites contained a refractile body, nucleus and visible striations. Analysis of the full-length mitochrondrial (mtDNA) genome revealed 3 protein-coding genes, (CytB, COI and COIII), 18 LSU and 14 small subunit (SSU) rDNA fragments, without transfer RNA genes with a total length of 6257 bp. Phylogenetic analysis of genomic SSU ribosomal sequences indicated that Isospora lugensae n. sp. is genetically similar to Eimeria reichenowi, isolated from a red-crowned crane (Grus japonensis) from Japan, with a 96.6% homology. The mtDNA sequence is most similar to Isospora serinuse with a 95.8% genetic similarity. Based on morphological and molecular data, this isolate is a new species of coccidian parasite that to date has only been found in a Kerguelen petrel.

Didelphis aurita Wied-Neuwied, 1826 is a marsupial well adapted to anthropogenic activity and commonly found in urban areas of Brazil. Among the gastrointestinal parasites found in this opossum, protozoa of the genus Eimeria are frequently detected. This study investigated the biodiversity of Eimeria species infecting D. aurita in Southeastern Brazil, and provides morphological data on a newly discovered species of Eimeria. From January to June 2019, 43 D. aurita were captured, and their fecal samples were collected and evaluated by salt flotation; positive samples were allowed to sporulate in 2.5% potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7), and detailed morphological measurements were performed to determine the species present. Thirty-two of forty-three (74.4%) opossums were infected with from one to five Eimeria spp. Four of the eimerians were described and named previously by others: Eimeria auritanensis, Eimeria caluromydis, Eimeria gambai, and Eimeria philanderi. Additionally, sporulated oocysts of a species new to science were detected. Oocysts of this new Eimeria species are spheroidal to subspheroidal, 21.7 × 20.7 (20-23 × 19-23), length/width (L/W) ratio 1.05, with a highly refractile polar granule, but lacking a micropyle and oocyst residuum. Sporocysts are ovoidal, 10.6 × 8.0 (9-12 × 7-9), L/W ratio 1.3, with a small, Stieda body and a sporocyst residuum of diffuse granules. Of the infected opossums, 5/32 (16%) were infected with only one Eimeria sp., 6/32 (19%) with two, 15/32 (47%) with three, 5/32 (16%) with four and 1/32 (3%) with five Eimerians.

The doves and pigeons constitute a taxonomic group (Columbiformes: Columbidae) of granivorous and frugivorous birds with a worldwide distribution. The current work aims to describe morphologically and molecularly a new protozoan from white-tipped doves Leptotila verreauxi Bonaparte, 1855 and grey-fronted doves Leptotila rufaxilla (Richard & Bernard, 1792) in Southeastern Brazil. Eimeria ferreirai n. sp. has oocysts that are sub-spherical to ellipsoidal, 21.4 × 18.8 μm, with smooth, bilayered wall, ~1.6 μm thick. Micropyle present. Oocyst residuum absent, but one to two polar granules are present. Sporocysts are elongate ovoidal to boomerang-shaped, 13.4 × 6.9 μm. Stieda body triangular to lozengal. Sporocyst residuum is composed of granules of different sizes. Sporozoites are vermiform with refractile body and nucleus. Sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene and the subsequent phylogenetic molecular comparisons supported the description of the new species, since the maximum similarity was 90-95% with eimeriid species of Columbiformes, Anseriformes, Galliformes and Passeriformes. Thus, this is the first coccidian species reported from Leptotila spp. and the twentieth description of an eimerian from Columbiformes in the World.

The wood thrush, Hylocichla mustelina, is a North American passerine bird closely related to other thrushes and is widely distributed across North America. Nothing is known of the coccidian parasites of this bird. Feces from a single H. mustelina found dead in McCurtain County, Oklahoma were collected and examined for coccidia; it was found to be passing a new species of Isospora. Oocysts of Isospora gmelini n. sp. are subspheroidal to ellipsoidal with a smooth bilayered wall, measure (length [L] × width [W]) 19.5 × 16.5 µm, and have a L/W ratio of 1.2; a micropyle and oocyst residuum were absent but polar granule(s) are present. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal to elongate and measure 13.4 × 8.9 µm, L/W 1.5; a buttonlike Stieda body is present, but sub-Stieda and para-Stieda bodies are absent. The sporocyst residuum is composed of a compact spheroid with a dense, irregular mass of finer granules lying between and dispersed among the sporozoites. Although several isosporans have been reported from other turdid birds, mainly from Brazil and Costa Rica, this is the initial coccidian reported from H. mustelina and only the second known from the Turdidae in the mainland of the United States.

Eimeria ammospermophili n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) is described from 2 of 29 (7%) Harris’s antelope squirrels Ammospermophilus harrisii Audubon & Bachman in Arizona, USA. Sporulated oocysts of this new species are ovoidal to ellipsoidal, 24–32 × 20–25 (29.0 × 22.7) µm, with a pitted, bi-layered wall, an oocyst residuum and, occasionally, a polar granule. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal, 10–12 × 7–9 (11.0 × 7.9) µm, with a Stieda body and sporocyst residuum; sporozoites are elongate with a spheroidal anterior refractile body and an ellipsoidal posterior refractile body. In addition, sporulated oocysts of Eimeria vilasi Dorney, 1962 are described from A. harrisii. This is the first report on the coccidia of this host species.

In this study, we provide the first description of Cystoisospora infection in Asian small-clawed otters (Aonyx cinereus). In July 2017, three juvenile otters recently imported from the Republic of Indonesia showed severe diarrhea and were diagnosed with coccidial infection; two of them eventually died. Fecal examination revealed the presence of numerous oocysts. Sporulated oocysts showed typical Cystoisospora features, measuring 24.6 ± 1.6 (22.0–27.0) × 21.8 ± 1.4 (19.0–25.0) μm, with an oocyst length/width ratio of 1.1 ± 0.1 (1.0–1.3). Each sporocyst contained four sporozoites in a head-to-tail arrangement. The Stieda body was absent, and the sporocyst residuum was present. These morphological characteristics differentiated this species from the other valid Cystoisospora species described from mustelids. Molecular analysis was conducted at two loci: the nuclear 18S ribosomal RNA and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I genes. The 18S sequence showed high similarity with canine Cystoisispora ohioensis (1-bp difference, 1422/1423 [99.9%]). At the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene locus, the sequence from otters was identical to that of feline Cystoisospora rivolta (847/847 [100%]). Phylogenetic analyses using concatenated data demonstrated that Cystoisospora sp. from otters and C. rivolta grouped together in the same Cystoisospora clade. Based on these data, we concluded that Cystoisospora sp. detected from otters appeared to be highly similar to C. rivolta. Keywords: Cystoisospora, Isospora, Otter, Phylogenetic analysis, Coccidianl infection

Isospora bioccai (Cringoli and Quesada 1991) (Protozoa, Apicomplexa, Eimeriidae) is reported and described from captive canaries Serinus canaria forma domestica (Linnaeus 1758) in Mexico. The oöcysts are subspherical, 25.5 × 23.5 μm, with smooth, bilayered wall, ∼1.3 μm thick. Micropyle absent, oöcyst residuum absent, and polar granule present, 4–8 rice-grain-shaped. Sporocysts are ovoidal, 16.7 × 10.5 μm. Stieda body knob-like and substieda body trapezoidal of irregular base. Sporocyst residuum is composed of granules of different sizes. Sporozoites are vermiform with one refractile body and a nucleus. Gamogony was seen in the duodenum. In addition to new locality, this is the first description of I. bioccai from S. canaria., Graphical abstract Image 1, Highlights • The canary (Serinus canaria) as a new host for Isospora bioccai. • Gamogony was seen in the duodenum. • First record of I. bioccai in Fringillidae in Mexico.

Eimeria maricopensis n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) is described from 2 of 15 (13%) Arizona cotton rats Sigmodon arizonae Mearns in Arizona, USA. Sporulated oocysts of this new species are ovoidal to ellipsoidal, 20-28 × 16-22 (24.9 × 19.2) µm, with a smooth, bi-layered wall; both micropyle and oocyst residuum are absent, but fragmented polar granule material is present. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal, 11-14 × 6-8 (12.9 × 7.0) µm, with a Stieda body, sub-Stieda body, and sporocyst residuum; sporozoites are elongate with a spheroidal anterior refractile body and a subspheroidal posterior refractile body. In addition, sporulated oocysts of Eimeria sigmodontis Barnard, Ernst & Dixon, 1974, Eimeria tuskegeensis Barnard, Ernst & Dixon, 1974 and Eimeria webbae Barnard, Ernst & Dixon, 1974 are described from S. arizonae. This is the first report on the coccidia of S. arizonae.

A total of 53 specimens of the montane grass mouse, Akodon montensis Thomas, 1913 were collected in the Serra dos Órgãos National Park (SONP) in November 2014 and July 2015. The fecal material was analyzed, and a prevalence of 7.5% was recorded for a new coccidian species of the genus Eimeria Schneider, 1875, with part of its endogenous development recorded in the small intestine. The oocysts of a new coccidian species of genus Eimeria are ellipsoidal to subspherical. The wall is bi-layered, c. 1.5 μm (1.3-1.6 μm) thick, outer layer rough. Oocyst (n = 126) mean length is 25.3 μm (21.0-28.0 μm), with a width of 20.2 μm (17.0-22.0 μm) and mean length/width (L:W) ratio of 1.3 (1.2-1.4). Polar granule is present, with the oocyst residuum as a large spherical to subspherical globule. Sporocyst shape (n = 126) is ellipsoidal, with a mean length of 11.8 μm (9.3-14.4 μm), width of 7.9 μm (6.7-9.3 μm), and mean L:W ratio of 1.5 (1.4-1.7). Sporocysts with nipple-like Stieda body and sub-Stieda body are absent. A sporocyst residuum formed by several globules, usually along the sporocyst wall. This is the first record of Eimeria in the montane grass mouse from Brazil.

Rabbit coccidiosis is caused by infection with one or usually several Eimeria species, parasitizing in hepatobiliary ducts or intestinal epithelium of rabbits. To date, 11 species of rabbit coccidia have been well documented. Here we report a new species of Eimeria from rabbits. Sporulated oocysts were ellipsoidal to slightly ovoidal, 37.4 (32.6-41.2) μm in length, 23.5 (20.9-25.5) μm in width, with a shape index (length/width) 1.6 (1.43-1.91) and smooth, bilayered, homogeneously thick wall. The micropyle was obvious and with an inner diameter of 6.2 (5.0-7.5) μm. Both oocyst residuum and polar granule were absent. Sporocysts were ellipsoidal to elongate, 17.2 (13.2-20.0) μm long and 8.4 (7.5-9.1) μm wide, with a shape index (length/width) of 2.1 (1.74-2.21) and the presence of Stieda body and sporocyst residuum. The prepatent period was 132h. Phylogenetic analysis showed that 18S rDNA sequence of the new species clustered together with the 11 rabbit Eimeria species into a clade. However, ITS-1 sequence of the new species shared low similarities (27.1%-30%) with those of 11 rabbit Eimeria species. As the data above supported the erection of a new species, we named it as Eimeria kongi n. sp., in honor of Fanyao Kong, a Chinese parasitologist. The finding of the new species has important implications for the diagnosis and prevention of rabbit coccidiosis.

A new coccidian species (Protozoa: Apicomplexa: Isospora) is described parasitizing white-necked thrushes Turdus albicollis Vieillot, 1818; rufous-bellied thrushes Turdus rufiventris Vieillot, 1818; pale-breasted thrushes Turdus leucomelas Vieillot, 1818; and yellow-legged thrushes Turdus flavipes Vieillot, 1818 from 3 different localities in Brazil. Isospora sabiai n. sp. has oocysts that are subspherical to ellipsoidal, 20.9 × 18.6 μm, with smooth, delicate, bilayered wall, ∼1.1 μm thick. Micropyle inconspicuous or imperceptible. Oocyst residuum absent, but small polar granules rounded or comma-shaped are present. Sporocysts are elongate ellipsoidal to reniform, 16.5 × 9.2 μm. The Stieda body is knob-like. Sub-Stieda body rounded to conical, sometimes homogeneous with the Stieda body. Sporocyst residuum is present, usually as a cluster of numerous granules. Sporozoites are vermiform with 2 refractile bodies. The oocysts and sporocysts of I. sabiai n. sp. are uniform in the proportionality of width on length, but exhibited different patterns of size associated with each host species; therefore, an ecological discussion is introduced aimed at associating these morphometrical patterns of the oocysts with the habits of the different species of thrushes. This is the seventh isosporoid coccidian reported from New World turdids.

A new species of Eimeria Schneider, 1875 (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) is described from faecal samples of two of three southern short-tailed shrews, Blarina carolinensis (Bachman) (Soricidae) from southeastern Oklahoma, USA. Oöcysts of Eimeria tkachi n. sp. are subspheroidal to ovoidal with a rough-pitted, tan colored, bi-layered wall, measure 16.5 × 15.2 μm, and have a length/width (L/W) ratio of 1.1; both micropyle and oöcyst residuum are absent, but polar granule(s) are present. Sporocysts are ovoidal, 9.5 × 6.5 μm, L/W 1.4; a distinct button-like Stieda body is present, but the sub-Stieda and para-Stieda bodies are absent and the sporocyst residuum is composed of large globules distributed throughout the sporocyst. Sporozoites have a spheroidal anterior refractile body, a subspheroidal posterior refractile body, and one centrally-located nucleus. This is the smallest eimerian described thus far from the Soricidae, the initial description of a coccidian from B. carolinensis, and the first from any shrew from Oklahoma.

A new coccidian species of the genus Caryospora Léger, 1904 (Apicomplexa, Eimeriidae) is described based on material from the Guanabara spotted night snake Siphlophis pulcher (Raddi) (Reptilia: Dipsadidae) in a coastal area of the Atlantic Forest in Ilha Grande Island, state of Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil. Caryospora ceadsensis n. sp. possesses spheroidal to slightly subspheroidal oöcysts measuring 17-24 × 17-24 (22.1 × 22.0) µm, with a c.1.3 µm thick bi-layered wall (inner layer smooth, outer layer slightly striated), length/width (L/W) ratio of 1.0-1.1 (1.0) and a highly refractive polar granule. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal, 11-17 × 10-13 (14.7 × 11.2) µm, with a L/W ratio of 1.0-1.5 (1.3), with a nipple-like Stieda body (1.1 µm high and 2.9 µm wide) and a large, bubble-shaped sub-Stieda body 1.7 µm high and 3.8 µm wide (1.0-2.0 × 3.0-4.5 µm). Sporocyst residuum composed of granules of differing sizes. Sporozoites with striations. This is the sixth record of a species of Caryospora in snakes of the family Dipsadidae in Brazil.

A new coccidian species of the genus Eimeria Schneider, 1875 (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae), is reported from the bat host Myotis riparius Handley from Ilha Grande, a large island off the coast of the State of Rio de Janeiro, in southeastern Brazil. Bats were captured in 13 mist nets (10 × 3 m), which were set within the experimental plots, and through active searches of the daytime roosts of Molossus molossus Pallas found in Vila Dois Rios. Containment was made in bags for the collection of feces and identification of coccidia. A survey was conducted on the coccidia species described so far (Table 2). The oocysts of Eimeria riparii n. sp. are ellipsoidal to cylindroidal with an extremely thin, bi-layered wall, slightly rough. Two polar granules are present, micropyle and oocyst residuum are both absent. The sporocysts are ellipsoidal, the sporocyst residuum is formed by sparse, rounded granules of varying sizes; the Stieda body is trapezoidal and a sub-Stieda body is absent. Sporozoites are banana shaped. With the new species described here, a total of 40 Eimeria spp. have been described infecting bat hosts, belonging to 30 species of 18 genera and 5 families. The subsequent increase in the known diversity of bats has been derived from the ongoing expansion of research in a number of different areas of taxonomy and ecology although the number of studies of the associated coccidian parasites of the family Eimeriidae has increased more slowly.

The coccidian genus Eumonospora Allen, 1933 is re-established. Despite morphological features and host preference among species, coccidian with octasporozoic and monosporocystic oocysts are traditionally consider to belonging in the genus Caryospora Leger, 1904 (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae). Recently, the genus Avispora Schuster et al., 2016 was proposed for above caryosporoids parasitizing birds based on combined morphological and phylogenetic analyses. However, diagnostic morphological characters of the genus Avispora, the absence of Stieda and substieda bodies, has already been mentioned in the description of the genus Eumonospora Allen, 1933 (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae), and thus Avispora is considered to be a junior synonym of Eumonospora. In this study, caryosporoid coccidians were detected from five owl species; Bubo scandiacus, Ptilopsis leucotis, Athene noctua, Strix nebulosa, and Pulsatrix perspicillata (Strigiformes: Strigidae) and identified as Avispora henryae (Yakimoff & Matikaschwaili, 1932) described from Bubo bubo (Strigiformes: Strigidae). Eumonospora henryae (Yakimoff & Matikaschwili, 1932) comb. nov. is redescribed for this species based not only on morphological features but also on phylogenetical analyses. The key of the genus Eumonospora and a list to the species known at present are also provided.

A new species of Eimeria Schneider, 1875 (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) collected from an ornate box turtle, Terrapene ornata (Agassiz) from Arkansas, USA, is described. Oocysts of Eimeria doddi n. sp. are ovoidal to ellipsoidal with a smooth, light to darker brown, bi-layered wall, measure 21.1 × 14.0 µm, and have a length/width (L/W) ratio of 1.5; both micropyle and oocyst residuum are absent, but a polar granule is present. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal, 9.9 × 6.1 µm, L/W 1.6; the Stieda body is present, but the sub-Stieda and para-Stieda bodies are absent and the sporocyst residuum is composed of small granules in a cluster. Sporozoites have a spheroidal anterior refractile body, a subspheroidal posterior refractile body, and one centrally-located nucleus. This is the third description of an eimerian from the turtle genus Terrapene Merrem and the second from T. ornata. In addition, we report Eimeria ornata McAllister & Upton, 1989 from T. ornata from Texas.

A new species of coccidian, Isospora guaxi n. sp., and Isospora bellicosa Upton, Stamper & Whitaker, 1995 (Protozoa: Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) are recorded from red-rumped caciques Cacicus haemorrhous (L.) in the Parque Nacional do Itatiaia, Brazil. Isospora guaxi n. sp. has sub-spheroidal oocysts, measuring on average 30.9 × 29.0 μm, with smooth, bi-layered wall c.1.9 μm thick. Micropyle and oocyst residuum are absent, but a polar granule is present. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal, measuring on average 19.3 × 13.8 μm. Stieda body is knob-like and sub-Stieda body is prominent and compartmentalized. Sporocyst residuum is composed of scattered granules. Sporozoites are vermiform, with one refractile body and a nucleus. Isospora bellicosa has sub-spheroidal to ovoidal oocysts, measuring on average 27.1 × 25.0 μm, with smooth, bi-layered wall c.1.5 μm thick. Micropyle and oocyst residuum are absent, but one or two polar granules are present. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal, measuring on average 18.1 × 10.9 μm. Stieda body is knob-like and sub-Stieda body is rounded to rectangular. Sporocyst residuum is composed of a cluster of compact or diffuse granules. Sporozoites are vermiform, with one refractile body and a nucleus. Isospora bellicosa was originally described from the Peruvian meadowlark Sturnella bellicosa deFilippi, a trans-Andean icterid which is allopatric with the cis-Andean C. haemorrhous. Therefore, in conclusion, this current study reveals the dispersion of coccidia from Icteridae across the Andes Mountains, besides describing the sixth isosporoid coccidium infecting an icterid bird.

We used a flotation technique to survey fecal samples from 27 Przewalski's gazelles ( Procapra przewalskii Büchner, 1891) for intestinal parasites. Samples were collected from the Qinghai Lake region, Qinghai-Tibet plateau, China, in April 2015. We report parasites belonging to two nematode (Nematodirus, Marshallagia) genera and one apicomplexan (Eimeria) genus; one of the latter was a new species from the critically endangered Przewalski's gazelle. Sporulated oocysts of the new eimerian were spheroidal; they had a thick, outer wall without a micropyle, but with a distinct polar granule and an oocyst residuum. Oocysts measured a mean of 18.6(±0.8)×17.3(±0.9) μm in length and width, with a mean 1.1(±0.1) length/width ratio and a spheroidal oocyst residuum that had a mean width of 2.0(±0.7) μm. Sporocysts were ovoid, measuring a mean of 9.4(±0.6)×5.5(±0.5) μm in length and width, with a mean 1.7(±0.2) length/width ratio. A Stieda body and sporocyst residuum were present, but a substieda body was absent. Sporozoites each had a small anterior refractile body and a larger, posterior refractile body; a small nucleus was visible between them.

A new Isospora (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) species is described from a single red-browed finch (Neochmia temporalis) (subspecies N. temporalis temporalis), that was part of a captive population in Western Australia. Sporulated oocysts of this isolate are spherical, 18.3 (18.2-18.9) × 18.2 (18.2-18.6) μm, with a shape index (length/width) of 1.0; and a smooth and bilayered oocyst wall, 1.2 μm thick (outer layer 0.9 μm, inner 0.3 μm). A polar granule is present, but the oocyst residuum and a micropyle are absent. The sporocysts are ovoid-shaped, 13.3 (9.5-16.4) × 8.6 (6.8-10.0) μm, with a shape index of 1.5. An indistinct Stieda body is present, but the substieda body is absent. A sporocyst residuum is present and composed of numerous granules of different size scattered among the sporozoites. Morphologically, the oocysts from this isolate are different from those of all known valid Isospora spp. Molecular analysis was conducted at 4 loci; the 18S and 28S ribosomal RNA (rRNA), the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase (COI) gene and the heat shock protein 70 (hsp70) gene. At the 18S locus, this new isolate exhibited 99.9%, 99.8%, 99.7%, and 99.5% similarity to I. sp. MAH-2013a from a superb starling (Lamprotornis superbus), I. MS-2003 from a Southern cape sparrow (Passer melanurus), I. sp. Tokyo from a domestic pigeon (Columba livia domestica) and I. MS-2003 from a Surinam crested oropendula (Psarocolius decumanus). At the 28S locus, this new isolate exhibited 99.7% similarity to both an Isospora sp (MS-2003) from a Northern house sparrow (Passer domesticus) and an Isospora sp. (MS-2003) from a Southern cape sparrow. At the COI locus, this new isolate exhibited 98.9% similarity to an Isospora sp. ex Apodemus flavicollis. At the hsp70 locus, this new isolate exhibited 99% similarity to isolate MS-2003 (AY283879) from a wattled starling (Creatophora cinerea). Based on morphological and molecular data, this isolate is a new species of Isospora, which is named Isospora neochmiae n. sp. after its host, the red-browed finch (Neochmia temporalis).

We examined 674 fresh fecal samples from forest musk deer (Moschus berezovskii Flerov) in Sichuan and Shaanxi Provinces, China, for coccidian oocysts and 65% were infected with Eimeria spp. Previously, only four Eimeria species were known from Moschus spp. Here we describe six new Eimeria species. Eimeria aquae n. sp., in 38% deer, has ovoidal oocysts, 32.0 × 23.0 μm, micropyle (M) and scattered polar granules (PGs) of various sizes are present, sometimes oocyst residuum (OR) is present; ovoidal sporocysts, 14.1 × 7.5 μm, with Stieda body (SB) and sporocyst residuum (SR). Eimeria dolichocystis n. sp., in 11% deer; cylindroidal oocysts, 36.6 × 18.9, with a M, 1 PG and OR; ovoidal sporocysts, 13.9 × 7.7, with SB and SR. Eimeria fengxianensis n. sp., in 7% deer; ovoidal oocysts, 36.3 × 25.2, a M and PGs present but OR absent; ovoidal sporocysts, 13.9 × 7.3, with SB and SR. Eimeria helini n. sp. in 24% deer; subspheroidal oocysts, 27.0 × 24.1, OR and PGs often present, but M absent; ovoidal sporocysts, 13.5 × 7.7, with SB and SR. Eimeria kaii n. sp. in 26% deer; ovoidal oocysts, 33.2 × 20.7, M and PGs present, but OR absent; ovoidal sporocysts, 14.4 × 7.5, with SB and SR. Eimeria oocylindrica n. sp., in 17% deer; cylindroidal oocysts, 36.0 × 21.4, M and 1-2 PGs present but OR absent; ovoidal sporocysts, 13.8 × 7.7, with SB and SR. Eimeria dujiangyanensis n. nom. is proposed to replace E. moschus Sha, Zhang, Cai, WangLiu, 1994, a junior homonym of E. moschus Matschoulsky, 1947.Coccidies parasites du cerf porte-musc (Moschus berezovskii), une espèce en danger en Chine, avec la description de six nouvelles espèces d’Eimeria (Apicomplexa, Eimeriidae).Nous avons examiné 674 échantillons de matières fécales fraîches de cerf porte-musc (Moschus berezovskii Flerov) dans les provinces du Sichuan et du Shaanxi, en Chine, pour les oocystes de coccidies et 65 % étaient infectés par Eimeria spp. Auparavant, seules quatre espèces d’Eimeria étaient connues chez Moschus spp. Nous décrivons ici six nouvelles espèces d’Eimeria. Eimeria aquae n. sp., chez 38 % des cerfs, a des oocystes ovoïdes, 32,0 × 23,0 μm, micropyle (M) et granules polaires (PG) de différentes tailles présents, parfois des résidus d’oocystes (OR) présents; sporocystes ovoïdes, 14,1 × 7,5 μm, avec corps de Stieda (SB) et résidu de sporocyste (SR). Eimeria dolichocystis n. sp., chez 11 % des cerfs; oocystes cylindroïdes, 36,6 × 18,9, avec un M, 1 PG et OR; sporocystes ovoïdes, 13,9 × 7,7, avec SB et SR. Eimeria fengxianensis n. sp., chez 7 % des cerfs; oocystes ovoïdes, 36,3 × 25,2, M et PG présents mais OR absent; sporocystes ovoïdes, 13,9 × 7,3, avec SB et SR. Eimeria helini n. sp. chez 24 % des cerfs; oocystes subsphéroïdaux, 27,0 × 24,1, OR et PG souvent présents, mais M absent; sporocystes ovoïdes, 13,5 × 7,7, avec SB et SR. Eimeria kaii n. sp. chez 26 % des cerfs; oocystes ovoïdes, 33,2 × 20,7, M et PG présents, mais OR absent; sporocystes ovoïdes, 14,4 × 7,5, avec SB et SR. Eimeria oocylindrica n. sp., chez 17 % des cerfs; oocystes cylindroïdes, 36,0 × 21,4, M et 1-2 PG présents mais OR absent; sporocystes ovoïdes, 13,8 × 7,7, avec SB et SR. Eimeria dujiangyanensis n. nom. est proposé pour remplacer E. moschus Sha, Zhang, Cai, WangLiu, 1994, homonyme junior de E. moschus Matschoulsky, 1947.

A new coccidian species, Isospora lunulatae n. sp., from the western wattlebird Anthochaera lunulata Gould in Western Australia is described and characterised molecularly. Microscopic analysis of a faecal sample identified subspheroidal oöcysts measuring 27–34 × 26–31 (30.6 × 29.4) μm (n = 20), with a length/width (L/W) ratio of 1.0–1.1 (1.0). Oöcysts have a bi-layered wall, 0.9–1.2 (1.0) μm thick; the outer layer is smooth, representing c.2/3 of total thickness. Micropyle and oöcyst residuum are both absent, but a polar granule is present. Sporocysts are ovoidal, 17–19 × 10–12 (18.3 × 10.7) μm, with a L/W ratio of 1.6–1.8 (1.7) and occupying about 21% of the area (each one) within the oöcyst. Stieda body is flattened to rounded, measuring on average 0.9 × 1.8 μm; sub-Stieda body is rounded to rectangular, measuring on average 1.5 × 2.6 μm; para-Stieda body is absent. Sporocyst residuum has an irregular shape consisting of numerous granules and appears membrane-bound. Sporozoites are vermiform 12.8 × 3.0 μm on average, with prominent striations at the more pointed end and two refractile bodies below striations. Segments of three gene loci (18S rRNA, 28S rRNA and cox1) were sequenced and I. lunulatae n. sp. exhibited 99.6% genetic similarity to Isospora phylidonyrisae Yang, Brice, Berto & Ryan, 2021 at the 18S rRNA gene locus, 99.8% genetic similarity to Isospora anthochaerae Yang, Brice & Ryan, 2014 and shared a 98.1% genetic similarity with Isospora manorinae Yang, Brice, Jian & Ryan, 2016 at the cox1 gene locus. Morphological and molecular data support the distinct species status of the new species.

New World flying squirrels, Glaucomys spp., are nocturnal arboreal sciurid rodents that have been previously surveyed for coccidial parasites. To date, 4 species of Eimeria have been reported from 2 species of Glaucomys. Here we report 2 species of eimerians from southern flying squirrels (Glaucomys volans) and the endemic Prince of Wales flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus griseifrons). Oocysts of Eimeria dorneyi Levine and Ivens were found to be passing in the feces of 4 G. s. griseifrons from Alaska, and a new species of Eimeria was present in feces from 6 G. volans from Arkansas. Oocysts of Eimeria hnidai n. sp. are ellipsoidal with a bi-layered wall, measure 23.7 × 13.7 µm, and have a length/width (L/W) ratio of 1.7; a micropyle and oocyst residuum is absent but polar granule(s) are present. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal-elongate and measure 11.8 × 4.9 µm, L/W 2.2; Stieda body is present but sub-Stieda and para-Stieda bodies are absent. The sporocyst residuum is composed of small indistinct granules along the edge or in the center of the sporocyst. This is the first coccidian reported from G. volans from Arkansas as well as the initial coccidian (E. dorneyi) reported from G. s. griseifrons from Alaska. In addition, we also provide a summation of the coccidia known from North American flying squirrels.

A new species of coccidia (Protozoa: Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) found parasitizing the yellow-legged thrush Turdus flavipes (Vieillot, 1818), the pale-breasted thrush Turdus leucomelas Vieillot, 1818 and the creamy-bellied thrush Turdus amaurochalinus Cabanis, 1850 in Southeastern Brazil is described. Isospora brasilsatoae n. sp. has oocysts that are ovoidal to pyriform, 26.8 × 21.1 μm, with smooth, bilayered wall, ~1.6 μm thick. Micropyle present. Oocyst residuum absent, but one to three polar granules are present. Sporocysts are elongate ovoidal, 18.1 × 10.5 μm. Stieda body knob-like and sub-Stieda body trapezoidal. Sporocyst residuum is composed of granules that appear to be membrane-bounded. Sporozoites are vermiform with refractile bodies and striations. This is the ninth description of an Isospora sp. parasitizing a New World thrush.

Coccidia of the genus Isospora, their origin, taxonomy, and host specificity have been discussed for many years. The crucial point in question being the division of the genus, based on distinct evolutionary history and the presence/absence of the Stieda body, into the genera Isospora (Eimeriidae) parasitizing mainly birds and reptiles, and Cystoisospora (Sarcocystidae) parasitizing mammals. The description of the majority of Isospora species from rodents is based solely on the oocysts found in their faeces. Some of them have been described with the presence of the Stieda body, some without it, and, simultaneously, for all the described species the molecular data are entirely lacking. This study reveals the origin of isosporan oocysts found in faeces of bank voles based on morphological analyses, phylogenetic analyses, and experimental infections. Morphological analyses showed the presence of the Stieda body complex on sporocysts. Phylogenetic analyses demonstrated close phylogenetic relationships between Isospora from bank voles and avian isosporans. Experimental inoculations of bank voles with sporulated oocysts of Isospora did not result in the production of unsporulated oocysts. Hence, these organisms should be considered pseudoparasites of the bank voles/rodents (probably originating from avian Isospora species).

A new species of coccidia (Protozoa: Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) found parasitizing the white-eyed parakeet Psittacara leucophthalmus (Müller, 1776) in Brazil is described. Eimeria psittacarae n. sp. has oocysts that are ellipsoidal, 34.8 × 24.3 μm, with smooth, bilayered wall, ~1.7 μm thick. Micropyle present. Oocyst residuum absent, but one or two polar granules are present. Sporocysts are elongate ellipsoidal, 19.2 × 9.7 μm. Stieda body knob-like and sub-Stieda body rounded. Sporocyst residuum is composed of granules that appear to be membrane-bounded. Sporozoites are vermiform with one refractile body and a nucleus. This is the sixth description of an eimeriid coccidium parasitizing a New World psittacine.

Fecal samples of 11 calves shot in the Ameralik area, West Greenland, in August-September 2014 were examined for coccidian parasites. The calves belonged to a population of interbreeding indigenous caribou Rangifer tarandus groenlandicus and feral semi-domestic Norwegian reindeer Rangifer tarandus tarandus. Two coccidian species were found: Eimeria rangiferis and a coccidium that was identified and described as a new species. The latter's sporulated oocyst is spherical or slightly subspherical. Average size is 25.6 × 24.8 μm. The oocyst has two distinct walls. Wall thickness is ∼1.4 μm. The unicolored outer wall is brown, the inner wall is dark gray. The oocysts contain a small polar granule but are devoid of a microphyle. The oocysts enclose four ovoid-shaped sporocysts with a rounded end opposite to the Stieda body. The average size of sporocysts is 15.2 × 7.8 μm. Sporocysts contain a granular sporocyst residuum that forms a spherical cluster between the sporocysts, one large refractile body is present in each sporozoite. The spherical form easily distinguishes oocysts of the new species from the seven previously described eimerid species in R. tarandus. This is the first eimerid described as a new species to the sciences from caribou in the Nearctic.

A new coccidian species (Protozoa: Apicomplexa: Isospora) parasitizing the white-shouldered fire-eye Pyriglena leucoptera (Vieillot, 1818) is described in the Parque Nacional do Itatiaia. This park is a protected area in southeastern Brazil with a high degree of vulnerability, representing a "conservation island" of biodiversity. Isospora parnaitatiaiensis n. sp. has oocysts that are ellipsoidal, 23.8 × 19.4 μm, with smooth, bilayered wall, ~1.1 μm thick. Micropyle and oocyst residuum are absent, but one or two polar granules are present. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal, 14.6 × 9.3 μm. The Stieda body is nipple- to knob-like and sub-Stieda body rounded to rectangular. Sporocyst residuum is present, usually as a cluster of numerous granules. Sporozoites are vermiform with two refractile bodies and a nucleus. This is the second isosporoid coccidian described from antbirds (Thamnophilidae).

Isospora gopheri n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) is described from 5 of 28 (18%) Morafka's desert tortoise Gopherus morafkai Murphy, Berry, Edwards, Leviton, Lathrop & Readle, housed by the Phoenix Herpetological Society, Maricopa County, Arizona, USA. Sporulated oocysts of this new species were spheroidal to subspheroidal, 20-27 × 19-27 (23.0 × 21.7) µm, with a smooth, bi-layered wall and 1-3 polar granules; an oocyst residuum was absent. Sporocysts were elongate-ovoidal to ellipsoidal, 13-18 × 9-12 (15.9 × 10.2) µm, with a Stieda body, sub-Stieda body and sporocyst residuum; sporozoites were banana-shaped with an ellipsoidal posterior refractile body and a spheroidal anterior refractile body. This is both the first coccidian to be described from this host species and only the second reported from the host genus.

A new coccidian species (Protozoa: Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) is described from a specimen of the Eurasian blackbird Turdus merula Linnaeus held for rehabilitation and reintroduction into the wild in a centre for research and recovery of wild animals in Quinta de Marim, Olhão, Portugal. Isospora lusitanensis n. sp. has subspherical to ovoidal oöcysts, measuring on average 26.4 × 23.4 μm, with smooth, bi-layered wall c.1.1 μm thick. Micropyle and oöcyst residuum are absent, but a polar granule is present. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal, measuring on average 16.0 × 10.9 µm. Stieda body is knob-like and sub-Stieda body is prominent and rounded. Sporocyst residuum is composed of scattered spherules. Sporozoites are vermiform, with one refractile body and a nucleus. The morphological and morphometric data for the new species were compared with those for species parasitising birds of the Muscicapidae, Turdidae, Timaliidae, Troglodytidae and Cinclidae, which are considered phylogenetically close. The original histograms of Isospora turdi Schwalbach, 1959 were redrawn for comparison with I. lusitanensis n. sp. and a linear regression of width against length of the oöcysts is presented for characterisation. This is the first isosporoid coccidian described from T. merula in mainland Portugal.

A species of Eimeria new to science was discovered in fecal samples of mourning doves (Zenaida macroura) from Kentucky, U.S.A. Oocysts (n = 57) are spherical to ovoid, 24.2 μm ± 0.6 × 20.7 μm ± 0.4 (23–25.5 μm × 20–21.5 μm), with an average length/width (L/W) ratio of 1.2 (1.1–1.3). The oocyst wall is double layered, smooth, and colorless. The outer wall is 1 μm, and the inner wall is extremely thin. Oocyst residuum and micropyle are absent, but 0–2 variably shaped polar granules (PG) are present. Most PG are sausage shaped (1 × 1.5 μm), while others are round or globular (~0.8–1 μm). Among the 57 oocysts, 54 had 1 PG, 2 had two PG, and 1 oocyst lacked a detectable PG. Sporocysts (n = 83) are ovoid, 12.4 μm ± 0.5 × 7.3 μm ± 0.3 (12–13.8 μm × 6.9–8 μm), with an average L/W ratio of 1.7 (1.5–1.9). A knob-like Stieda body continuous with the sporocyst wall and a rounded substieda body are present. The sporocysts contained a sporocyst residuum made up of numerous granules of a uniform size (1 μ...

Between April 2012 and October 2017, 18 southern black racers,Coluber constrictor priapus, were collected from nine counties of Arkansas (n= 13) and McCurtain County, Oklahoma (n= 5) and their faeces examined for coccidian parasites. One of 18 (6%)C. c. priapusharboured an eimerian that we describe here as new. Oocysts ofEimeria dunnisp. nov. were subspheroidal with a lightly pitted bi-layered wall measuring L × W 24.0 × 21.1 and L/W ratio of 1.2. A micropyle was absent but an oocyst residuum and polar granule were present. Sporocysts were ovoidal and measured 11.9 × 8.1 with L/W of 1.5. A Stieda body was present but substieda and parastieda bodies were absent. The sporocyst residuum was composed of medium-sized granules aligned along perimeter of sporocyst or in a dispersed mass. This represents the first valid eimerian reported from the southern black racer.

A species of Isospora Schneider, 1881 (Protozoa: Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) considered as new to science is described and characterised molecularly from the eastern white-throated spadebill Platyrinchus mystaceus Vieillot in the Parque Nacional do Itatiaia, southeastern Brazil. Isospora lopesi n. sp. has oocysts that are subspheroidal to ovoidal, 18–24 × 18–22 (20.6 × 19.7) µm, with smooth, bilayered wall, c.1.5 μm thick. Micropyle and oocyst residuum are absent, but one polar granule is present. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal, 12–16 × 8–11 (14.4 × 8.6) µm. The Stieda body is flattened to half-moon-shaped and sub-Stieda body is rounded. Sporocyst residuum is present, consisting of numerous spherules of different sizes. Sporozoites are vermiform with anterior and posterior refractile bodies and nucleus. Molecular analysis was conducted at the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene. This new isolate exhibited similarity greater than 98% with Isospora spp. isolates from spectacled warblers Sylvia conspicillata Temminck, 1820. This is the fourth isosporoid coccidian described from New World tyrannid birds, but is the first to have a complementary molecular characterisation.