MALDONADO, E.M.*; FINGERUT, J.T.; ZIMMER, R.K.: Emergence of Trematode Parasites from the Marine Snail Cerithidea californica

Light microscopy, video/visual analysis, and dissections of Cerithidea californica indicate that there is a specific route of emergence taken by the trematode cercaria Himasthla rhigedana, Euhaplorchis californiensis, and Renicola buchanani within their mollusc host. Video microscopy has shown that the cercaria emerge from the right side of the mantle cavity. Upon dissection, groups of H. rhigedana and R. buchanani were observed to be burrowing through the tissue of what appears to be an excretory duct that leads into the right side of the mantle cavity. These findings may help understand parasite dispersal and population control within an estuarine environment.