The Lecanicephalidean Fauna of the Stingray Genus Pastinachus (Myliobatiformes: Dasyatidae)

The lecanicephalidean fauna of the cowtail ray genus Pastinachus is relatively unknown. Despite the description of over 30 nominal lecanicephalidean species parasitizing Pastinachus, only six lecanicephalidean species known to parasitize Pastinachus are currently considered valid. The contents of the spiral intestine of 38 cowtail ray specimens representing three of the five recognized species of Pastinachus (Pastinachus ater, Pastinachus solocirostris, and Pastinachus gracilicaudus), as well as representatives of an undescribed species of Pastinachus, collected from throughout the Indo-Pacific region, were examined for lecanicephalidean tapeworms. A total of 29 lecanicephalidean species in the genera Flapocephalus, Anteropora, Anthemobothrium, Polypocephalus, and a putative new genus were identified collectively parasitizing all four of the species of Pastinachus examined using morphological data augmented by molecular sequence data generated as part of a separate study. Most species identified are likely new to science. Four new species of Flapocephalus and three new species of Anteropora are formally described. Flapocephalus trygonis, the type species, is also described based on newly collected material and a neotype is designated. In addition, a formal diagnosis of the genus Flapocephalus is presented for the first time. This study aimed to increase the understanding of the lecanicephalidean fauna of Pastinachus toward a more complete picture of diversity patterns and host associations in this parasite-host system and formally treat the little-known genus Flapocephalus.

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Kansas

Year dc:date.issued

2024

Author dc:creator

• Hanselman, Katherine

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Jensen, Kirsten

• Systematic biology
• Lecanicephalidea
• Pastinachus
• Stingrays
• Tapeworms

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright held by the author.

Language dc:language.iso

en

Dc Identifier Other

http://dissertations.umi.com/ku:19499

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:kuscholarworks.ku.edu:1808/38501