Spironoura concinnae

This species is parasitic in the rectum of turtles. The adults feed on intestinal contents and the life cycle is direct. The digestive system starts with a short vestibule between the lips, a short pharynx, and then a long cylindrical esophagus which expnads at the posterior end into a prominent valved bulb.

You have both male and female worms in your slidebox. Structures to note include the buccal cavity, nerve ring, esophagus and esophageal bulb, nerve ring, intestine and anus. Try to find the excretory pore. On females note the uterus, ovary, and vulva and on males note the testis, seminal vesicle, stout spicules and the pre- and post-anal papillae.

Spironoura concinnae anterior end

Spironoura concinnae esophageal/intestinal junction

Spironoura concinnae male posterior end

Spironoura concinnae female

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