Dispharynx		Contents		Rev: 10/21/2026
Gizzaed Worms; Proventricular Worms		Classification		Biology and Ecology
		Morphology and Anatomy		Life Cycle
Return to Dispharynx Menu				Ecosystem Functions and Services
		Distribution		Management
Return to Acuariidae Menu		Feeding		References
		Go to Nemaplex Main Menu		Go to Dictionary of Terminology

Classification:

Chromadorea

  Chromadoria

   Rhabditida

Spirurina

              Acuarioidea

               Acuariidae

Dispharynx Railliet, Henry & Sisoff, 1912

Type species of the genus: Dispharynx nasuta (Rudolphi, 1989) Railliet, Henry & Sisoff, 1912

Dispharynx is also considered a subgenus of Synhimantus

 Synonyms:
     

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Morphology and Anatomy:

These spirurid nematodes are characterized by prominent pseudolabia and cordons (cuticular folds in the head). Cuticular spines are absent in Dispharynx.

Ref: Carreno (2008)

Females: Males: .

(a) Dispharynx nasuta, male, anterior, from a Rock Pigeon (Columba livia). Note the recurring cordons (co) and absence of cuticular spines. Scale bar = 50 um. (b) Echinuria uncinata, male, anterior, from a Mute Swan (Cygnus olor). Note the cordons (co) and cuticular spines (p). Scale bar = 100 um. (c) Streptocara crassicauda, female, anterior from a King Eider (Somateria spectabilis). Note the collarette (cl), prominent deirids (d), and somewhat inflated cuticle between the collarette and the deirids. Scale bar = 25 um. Drawings fro Carreno, 2008

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Distribution:

Widespread, reported throughour Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas.

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Feeding:

Food Sources and Feeding strategies for the genus Dispharynx

Species of these nematodes parasitize the upper alimentary tract of birds, particularly the proventriculus (glandular stomach) and ventriculus (gizzard).

Dispharynx nasuta is an important pathogenic species.

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Biology and Ecology:

Hosts of species of this genus include birds of the passerines, galliformes, columbiforms, and occasionally psittacines.

The nematodes attach to the mucosal epithelial cells of the proventriculus, causing ulceration, nodules, severe glandular hyperplasia, loss of contractile capability of the walls of the gizzard, and potential mortality.

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Life Cycle:

The life cycle is indirect. Terrestrial isopods, including pillbugs Armadillidium vulgare and sowbugs Porcellio scaber, as intermediate hosts.

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Ecosystem Functions and Services:

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Management:

In captive bird populations, eliminate intermediate hosts.

Anthelminthics may be effective.

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References:

Carreno, R.A. 2008. Dispharynx, Echinuria and Streptocara. Chapter 18 in Atkinson, C.T., Thomas, N.J., Hunter, D.B. Parasitic Diseases of Wild Birds. Wiley-Blackwell.

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Revised by Howard Ferris: October 21, 2026.