Description and molecular data of a new cestode parasite, Cladotaenia anomala n. sp. (Paruterinidae) from the Australasian harrier (Circus approximans Peale) in New Zealand

TL;DR

A new species of tapeworm, Cladotaenia anomala, was discovered in New Zealand harriers and is distinguished by unique physical traits and genetic data.

Contribution

The paper introduces a new cestode species with distinct morphology and genetic sequences, marking the first record of Cladotaenia in New Zealand.

Findings

Cladotaenia anomala is distinguished by a single circle of hooks and differences in proglottid shape and uterine branches.

Genetic analysis shows it is closely related to Cladotaenia globifera but differs in morphology.

This is the first documented occurrence of Cladotaenia in New Zealand.

Abstract

Currently comprising 12 species infecting the gastrointestinal tracts of diurnal raptors (Falconiformes, Accipitriformes), species of Cladotaenia are diagnosed by their branching uterus, testes in two fields reaching the same level anteriorly, and small rostellum armed with taenioid hooks arranged in two rows. In this study we describe a new species of Cladotaenia recovered from a number of Australasian harriers Circus approximans, from the southern half of South Island, New Zealand. The new species is distinguished from other species by its single circle of hooks. It is closest, morphologically, to C. circi, but differs in the shape of the terminal proglottids and the number of uterine branches. Sequences of 28S and cox1 gene are presented. Genetically, Cladotaenia anomala
n. sp. is closest to Cladotaenia globifera but differs morphologically in the size of the suckers, testes and eggs. This description constitutes the first record of a Cladotaenia species in New Zealand. We discuss some potential routes this parasite may have taken to arrive in New Zealand.

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