Eimeria lancasterensis Joseph, 1969 and E. confusa Joseph, 1969 from the Grey Squirrel Sciurus carolinensis*

Abstract

SYNOPSIS. Forty grey squirrels Sciurus carolinensis were examined for coccidia during a 2‐year period. Eimeria lancasterensis was found in all of them. The ellipsoidal oocysts of this species averaged 24.6 by 14.6 μ. They had no micropyle or oocyst residuum. A polar body was present. The sporocysts averaged 14.1 by 8.4 μ. The endogenous phases of the parasite were found in the epithelial cells of the villi thru the entire length of the small intestine. E. confusa was found in one of 40 squirrels. The oocysts of this species were subspherical, occasionally ellipsoidal or rarely spherical; they averaged 33.2 by 26.7 μ. Oocyst residuum and micropyle were absent. Polar granules ranged in number from 0–5. The sporocysts averaged 19.6 by 12.1 μ. The prepatent period for this species was 7–8 days and the patent period 6–13 days. E. ontarioensis was found in 3 of the 40 squirrels.