Abstract
The life cycle of M. cumingiae involves the development of sporocysts, cercariae, and metacercariae in the marine bivalve, Cumingia tellinoides, and the development of the adult in the flounder and eel. Another clam, Tellina tenera, can serve as an alternative 2d intermediate host and on one occasion was found to act as a 1st intermediate host. The cercariae encyst in large numbers in the siphons, particularly the incurrent, and the foot. Metacercariae are found in smaller numbers in the gills and mantle. Little or no immunity to the penetration of cercariae is built up by the clam, although a darkly staining material is deposited around the metacercariae.