Light and electron microscope studies of the adult of Plearogenoides medians (Olsson, 1876) (Trematoda: Lecithodendriidae) form Iraqi marsh frog Rana ridibunda

Abstract

The morphology of the Pleurogenoides medians from Rana ridibunda in Iraq was studied by light and scanning electron microscopy. The light microscopical studies confirmed the original observations with the ventral sucker being smaller than the oral sucker and the genital pore being laterally situated. Electron micrographs of adult P. medians revealed that the body surface had a rough appearance by hand-like spines, which are more sparsely distributed towards the posterior end with a presumed function in nutrient absorption.