Some observations on the taxonomy and systematics of the pentastomid genus Armillifer (Sambon, 1922) in south east Asian and Australian snakes

Abstract

The taxonomic status of three of the previously described Armillifer spp. is unequivocal but there is some confusion regarding A. monilijbrmis. By using three diagnostic criteria, namely, hook dimensions, annulus number and the form of the terminal segment, we have shown that A. moniliformis australis from Australasian pythons, previously considered as a race of A. moniliformis by Heymons (1932), is, in fact, a distinct species. These criteria also distinguish another species A. arborealis sp. nov. from Australasian tree snakes. The genus Ligamifer, which embraces the single species Ligamifer mazzai, is shown to be invalid. A reinterpretation of the morphology of the terminal segment firmly places the species within the genus Armillifer. The species is renamed Armillifer mazzai to preserve the nomenclatural homogeneity of the taxon. The latter now comprises seven species. There is a distinct possibility that some of the new species could utilize man as an accidental intermediate host.

Endoparasites of the Eastern Rock Sengi (Elephantulus myurus) from South Africa

“…At the same time, the current study is the first to report the presence of the directly transmitted oxyurid nematode S. minuta in a species other than a member of the genus Acomys I. Geoffroy (Lutermann et al, 2014). It is noteworthy that species of Syphacia Seurat, 1916 are typically considered parasites of rodents (Petter and Quentin, 1976), whereas members of the spinicaudine genera Spinicauda Travassos, 1920 andMoaciria Freitas, 1956 are typically parasites of reptiles (Chabaud, 1978 (Fain, 1961;Greve and Russell,1974;Ogunsusi and Mohammed, 1978;Riley and Self, 1981;Lutermann et al, 2014 The endoparasite assemblage of E. myurus was dominated by M. weissi, a nematode species also found in E. rozeti in Tunisia, R. cirnei in the DRC as well as an incorrectly identified Elephantulus sp. in South Africa (Table II).…”

An annotated catalogue of the tongue worms (Pentastomida) held in the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin

“…Our data records both vipers and constrictors as definitive hosts. According to Riley & Self (1981a), Armillifer armillatus is restricted biogeographically to Africa, something which is reflected in the collection data noted above. Armillifer armillatus is one of the species known to cause human nymphal pentastomosis in Africa (see e.g.…”

“…According to Riley & Self (1981a), Armillifer grandis is restricted to Africa and this is reflected in the collection data noted above. This is another species known to cause human nymphal pentastomosis (see e.g.…”

“…The Berlin collection records this species in a wide range of mammalian taxa, including chimpanzees, baboons, bushbabies, pottos, hedgehogs and mongooses. Indeed Riley & Self (1981a) commented that for both A. armillatus and A. moniliformis (see below) almost any mammal can serve as a potential intermediate host. Adults, by contrast, are usually rather hostspecific favouring a few species of large snake.…”

“…This genus Ligamifer Heymons, 1932 was invalidated by Riley & Self (1981a), who transferred its single species, L. mazzai, to the genus Armillifer. According to Riley & Self, the host of the original type material was a "brown water snake"; the exact species remaining uncertain.…”