Description of a novel aseptate gregarine Zygocystis Stein, 1848 (Apicomplexa: Monocyst inae) from earthworms (Annel ida: Ol igochaeta) of Egypt

Abstract

A novel aseptate gregarine, Zygocystis hafizi , was described for the first time as a new species from the seminal vesicles of ol igochaete earthworms, Pheretima cali fornica, P. hawayana and P. elongata. This new species is an intracellular parasi te, i ts li fe cycle stages are reported in morulae of the seminal vesicles of these earthworms. Syzygy stage (14.7 ± 0. 1 x 4.3 ± 0.2 μm) i s observed in coelomocytes inside the seminal vesicles. Sporocysts are navicular measuring 11.7 ± 0.5 x 5.3 ± 0.3 μm, wi th slightly thick elevated polar plugs. Ul trastructure of the sporocysts was discussed.