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| Linguatula serrata | |
|---|---|
| Class | Pentastomida |
| Family | Linguatulidae |
Also known as: Tongue worm
Hosts
Tropical reptiles e.g. snakes.
Identification
The adults have apparent transverse striations. The males are around 20mm in length, whereas the females are larger at between 80-130mm in length.
Life Cycle
This is an indirect life cycle. Eggs are released into the environment through coughing and sneezing. Eggs are ingested by an intermediate host, most commonly the sheep and cattle. The larvae develop and migrate into the liver and the lungs. The larvae then enter the nymphal stage. The final host is infected via ingestion of inadequately cooked meat. The nymphs then migrate to the nasal cavity and sinuses. Infective nymphs mature to adults, and can survive for up to one year.
The complete life cycle takes around 6 months.
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Literature Search
Use these links to find recent scientific publications via CAB Abstracts (log in required unless accessing from a subscribing organisation).
Linguatula serrata publications
References
Taylor, M.A, Coop, R.L., Wall,R.L. (2007) Veterinary Parasitology Blackwell Publishing