Digenea

flatworm subclass

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characteristics and taxonomy

  • In flatworm: Annotated classification

    Subclass Digenea Oral and ventral suckers generally well-developed; development involves at least 1 intermediate host; usually endoparasites of vertebrates; about 9,000 species. Order Strigeidida Cercaria (immature form) fork-tailed; penetration glands present; 1–2 pairs of protonephridia; about 1,350 species. Order

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life cycle

  • In flatworm: Development

    …trematode flukes of the subclass Digenea, mollusks (mostly snails) serve as the intermediate host. Fertilized eggs usually hatch in water. The first larval stage, the miracidium, generally is free-swimming and penetrates a freshwater or marine snail, unless it has already been ingested by one. Within this intermediate host, the parasite…

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