Helminth Parasitism in Some Central Arizona Lizards

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Abstract
During a 16 month period, three hundred and seventy-five lizards of ten species from central Maricopa County, Arizona, were examined for helminth parasites in the buccal cavity, viscera and coelom. Twelve species of nematodes were found in the digestive tract of one or more of the lizard species. Adult cestodes were found in the small or large intestine of five species, and immature or encysted forms were found in the liver, mesenteries, coelom or small intestine of four species. Acanthocephalan larvae were found in the coelom of one species. No lung parasites or trematodes were found. The total percentage of helminth parasitism in each lizard species is given. Discussion of the various parasitic forms as they occurred in their lizard host is included.