POLYSTOMATID MONOGENEAN PARASITES OF ANURA: LIFE CYCLE ADAPTATIONS

Abstract

Five species of polystomatid parasites are known from South Africa. Oncomiracidia infect either tadpoles or postmetamorphic frogs. The availability of these host stages differs for different frog species, and the presently known hosts fall into three categories in this regard. Strategies of parasite establishment and maturation differ markedly between the three categories.