Taxonomic revision of Rhinebothroides (Eucestoda: Tetraphyllidea: Phyllobothriidae), parasites of neotropical freshwater stingrays (Rajiformes: Myliobatoidei: Potamotrygonidae).
Extensive new collections of specimens of Rhinebothroides spp. from a wide range of Neotropical freshwater potamotrygonid stingrays in numerous localities permitted critical evaluation of the validity of the 7 nominal species in the genus. Some qualitative characters previously used in the taxonomy of this group are highly variable within and among populations, and most morphometric and meristic characters thought to have taxonomic value for this group overlapped among several previously defined nominal species. Characters that were consistent throughout populations and that clearly define morphotypes supported recognition of 4 species: R. freitasi (syn. R. circularisi and R. venezuelensis), R. glandularis (syn. R. mclennanae), R. moralaurai, and R. scorzai. We provide a taxonomic review of the genus, 8 additional host records, 7 new localities, and an identification key.
Marques
Fernando P L
FP
Departamento de Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Caixa Postal 11461, São Paulo, SP 05422-970, Brazil. fernando@ib.usp.br
Brooks
Daniel R
DR
D000818:Animals; D001118:Argentina; D001938:Brazil; D002589:Cestoda / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000145:classification*; D002590:Cestode Infections / Q000469:parasitology / Q000662:veterinary*; D005393:Fish Diseases / Q000469:parasitology*; D005618:Fresh Water; D012860:Skates, Fish / Q000469:parasitology*