Proterometra edneyi n. sp. (Digenea: Azygiidae): Behavior and Distribution of Acetylcholinesterase in Cercariae

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Abstract
A new species of Proterometra, P. edneyi sp. nov. is described and illustrated. Under laboratory conditions, the cercaria emerges from the snail host, Goniobasis semicarinata, between 1000 and 1800 h. Behavior of this small distinctive cercaria consists of irregular, worm-like movements which rarely propel it through the water. Correspondingly, little acetylcholinesterase activity is localized histochemically in that region of the tail where flexions occur. The adult differs from the 7 previously known species in being the smallest in size and having the fewest number of eggs in utero. This is the 1st species of Proterometra reported to use a darter fish, Etheostoma sp. (Percidae), rather than a sunfish (Centrarchidae) as the final host.

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