Published online by Cambridge University Press: 06 April 2009
The external features, the excretory, nervous and genital systems of Phyllobothrium sinuosiceps sp.nov. (Cestoda: Tetraphyllidea) from Hexanchus griseus are described in detail, particular attention being given to the genitalia.
The species is compared with Phyllobothrium dohrnii, a well-known cestode.
The systematic position of P. sinuosiceps is discussed and the differences between P. sinuosiceps, P. lactuca and P. radioductum are tabulated.
The simple arrangement of the nervous and excretory systems, the specialized features of the genitalia and host distribution suggest that P. sinuosiceps may be one of the most primitive species belonging to the family Phyllobothriidae.