Distribution records of three species of Leucochloridium (Trematoda: Leucochloridiidae) in Japan, with comments on their microtaxonomy and ecology

In this study, old scientific records, sighting information on broodsacs from the general public, and direct molecular evidence by DNA barcoding clearly showed that at least three species of Leucochloridium are distributed in Japan. A vertical-striped broodsac found from Succinea sp. in Okinawa, the subtropical island of Japan, were treated as Leucochloridium sp., but being almost identical to that of Leucochloridium passeri in neighboring Taiwan. The European species of Leucochloridium perturbatum and Leucochloridium paradoxum were frequently detected from Succinea lauta in Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan. The former species was common in inland areas of Hokkaido, whereas the latter species was frequently seen in the coastal areas. A possible explanation for the parasite distribution pattern is that principal definitive hosts (migratory or resident birds) differ in each parasite. The conspecificity of Leucochloridium variae in North America and L. perturbatum in Europe and the Far East is also discussed.Graphical abstract
Source: Parasitology International - Category: Parasitology Source Type: research