Akodonema

 

Contents

 

Rev 12/02/2024

 Mouse Lungworm and Heartworm Classification Biology and Ecology
Morphology and Anatomy Life Cycle
Return to Akodonema Menu Ecosystem Functions and Services
Distribution Management
Return to Angiostrongylidae Menu Feeding  References
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Classification:

 

Chromadorea

  Rhabditia

    Rhabditida

      Metarongyloidea

        Angiostrongylidae

       
Akodonema Morales, Ubelaker & Gardner, 2012

Type species of the genus: Akodonema luzsarmientae Morales, Ubelaker & Gardner, 2012

    
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Morphology and Anatomy:

 
  • Elongate, filiform tapering narrower at anterior end.
  • Cuticle with numerous fine, longitudinal striations.
  • Cephalic region with 3 minute lips, each with 2 small papillae.
  • Esophagus claviform in outline, excretory pore well anterior to esophageal-intestinal junction.
  • Intestine filled with blood from host.

 

Male:

  • Tail curved ventrally.
  • Bursa small, incomplete, 2 sides not joined anteriorly or posteriorly.
  • Ventral and lateral rays of bursa long, narrow. Dorsal ray absent, but 2 small and delicate papillae present. External dorsal rays present, elongate and narrow.
  • The reduction of the dorsal ray to 2 small widely separated papillae is a distinguishing feature.
  • Spicules thin, elongate and well developed.
  • Gubernaculum present.

Female:

  • Prodelphic with simple ovejector.
  • Vulva at posterior end just anterior to anus, tail short.
  • Oviparous, eggs elliptical with early development of juveniles.
  • Eggs deposited into blood stream, and larvae hatch in lungs of host.

Ref: Morales et al., 2012

Posterior region of Akodonema luzsarmientae male showing bursa, bursal rays and spicules. Scale bar = 40 um

Drawing adapted from Morales et al., 2012

 

Body size range for the species of this genus in the database - Click:
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Distribution:

Described from the soft grass mouse, Akodon mollis Thomas, 1894 collected from mountain shrub habitat on the western flank of the Andes of Peru.

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Feeding:

 Recovered from lung tissues and pulmonary artery. Intestine filled with host blood.

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Biology and Ecology:

Animal parasite

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Life Cycle:

   
   

 

 

For Ecophysiological Parameters for this genus, click 
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Ecosystem Functions and Services:

 

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Management:

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References:

Morales, M.E., Ubelaker, J.E., Gardner, S.L. 2012. A new genus and species of lungworm (Nemata: Metastrongyloidea) from Akodon mollis Thomas, 1894 (Rodentia: Cricetidae) in Peru. J. Parasitol., 98:612-616.

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Copyright © 1999 by Howard Ferris.
Revised: December 02, 2024.

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