Acta Parasitologica Homepage
Tables of Contents
Volume 45 Tables of Contents

Acta Parasitologica, Vol.45, No. 2, 2000, 67-70
Upton Steve J. (1), Whitaker Brent (2), - New species of Isospora (Apicomplexa, Eimeriidae) from the troupial and white-edged oriole (Icterus spp.) (Aves, Passeriformes, Icteridae).

(1) Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506; (2) National Aquarium in Baltimore, Pier 3, 501 East Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21202; U.S.A.
Address for correspondence: S. J. Upton, Division of Biology, Ackert Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, U.S.A.; tel.: (785) 532-6639; fax: (785) 532-6653; e-mail: coccidia@ksu.edu
ABSTRACT

Two new species of coccidia are described from passeriform (Icteridae) birds housed at the National Aquarium in Baltimore. Oocysts of Isospora icterus sp. n. from the troupial, Icterus icterus, are subspherical, 28.9 x 27.2 (27.2-32.0 x 25.0-30.0) mm, with a thick, bi-layered wall; shape index (length/width) is 1.06 (1.00-1.12). A micropyle is absent but a small oocyst residuum and large, irregularly shaped polar granule are present. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal, 17.8 x 12.8 (16.8-19.2 x 12.0-13.6) mm, with Stieda and substieda bodies; shape index 1.39 (1.33-1.52). A sporocyst residuum is present, consisting as numerous fine granules. Sporozoites possess a small anterior and larger posterior refractile bodies. Oocysts of Isospora graceannae sp. n. from the white-edged oriole, Icterus graceannae, are subspherical, 23.9 x 22.3 (20.0-26.4 x 18.6 x 25.0) mm, with a thick, bi-layered wall; shape index 1.07 (1.00-1.17). A micropyle is absent, but a small oocyst residuum and polar granule that often appears splintered are present. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal, 15.5 x 10.7 (14.2-16.2 x 10.0-11.4) mm, with Stieda and substieda bodies; shape index 1.44 (1.36-1.54). A sporocyst residuum is present, consisting as dozens of granules scattered among the sporozoites. Sporozoites with small anterior and larger posterior refractile bodies.


KEY WORDS: Isospora icterus sp. n., Isospora graceannae sp. n., Eimeriidae, Passeriformes
Page compiled by Aleksander H.Kedra. Last modification: 04-07-2000