Suckers and other bursal structures of Pomphorhynchus bulbocolli and Acanthocephalus dirus (Acanthocephala)

J Parasitol. 1991 Jun;77(3):437-40.

Abstract

Accessory copulatory structures in the bursa of Pomphorhynchus bulbocolli include 2 suckers on the inner surface and bursal rays. A stylet was present in the penis of this species. Two suckers were present in the bursa of Acanthocephalus dirus, but bursal rays and a stylet in the penis were not observed. This is the first report of suckers present in the bursas of acanthocephalans. Copulatory cement caps and holes surrounded by a ring approximating the inner bursal diameter and not covered by a cap were present on the sides of some P. bulbocolli, indicating the possibility of hypodermic insemination in this species.

MeSH terms

  • Acanthocephala / anatomy & histology*
  • Animals
  • Female
  • Male