New Host and Distributional Records for Helminth Parasites (Monogenoidea, Trematoda, Cestoda, Nematoda) of Arkansas Reptiles (Testudines, Ophidia)

Authors

• C. T. McAllister, Northeast Texas Community College, Mt. PleasantFollow
• C. R. Bursey, Pennsylvania State University - ShenangoFollow
• T. J. FaytonFollow
• S. E. Trauth, Arkansas State UniversityFollow
• H. W. RobisonFollow

Keywords

Helminths, Reptiles, Monogenoidea, Trematoda, Cestoda, Nematoda, New Host Records

Abstract

Over the last decade or more, our collaborative research has provided noteworthy information on the helminth parasites of reptiles of Arkansas. Because several species still need to be surveyed from the state, some for the first time, there has been a general void of information on their parasites. We therefore examined 10 reptiles, including seven species/subspecies of turtles, as well as three species/subspecies of snakes for helminth parasites. Found were 24 taxa of parasites, including two monogeneans, 14 digeneans, one tapeworm, and seven nematodes. We document several new host and distributional records for these parasites from some reptiles of the state.

Recommended Citation

McAllister, C. T.; Bursey, C. R.; Fayton, T. J.; Trauth, S. E.; and Robison, H. W. (2026) "New Host and Distributional Records for Helminth Parasites (Monogenoidea, Trematoda, Cestoda, Nematoda) of Arkansas Reptiles (Testudines, Ophidia)," Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science: Vol. 79, Article 20.

Available at: https://scholarworks.uark.edu/jaas/vol79/iss1/20