A comparison of the anterior adhesive system in the oncomiracidium and adult of the monogenean parasite Merizocotyle icopae (Monocotylidae)

The anterior adhesive system of the oncomiracidium and adult of Merizocotyle icopae (Monogenea: Monocotylidae) were compared. The oncomiracidium has one ventrally placed aperture on either side of the head near the anterior extremity. In the adult, there are three ventrally placed apertures on either side of the head region. Both systems have three types of electron-dense secretory bodies opening into each aperture. A rod-shaped secretion (S1) and a small electron dense ovoid secretion (S2) are common to larvae and adults. The third secretion type differs: in adults, it is a large, spherical (S3) type but in larvae, it is an ovoid (S4) body. S4 bodies do occur in adults, but appear to be secreted as a general body secretion. An additional anteromedian secretion (S5) is also present in the oncomiracidium, but is not secreted into the anterior apertures. Homology and function of secretions are discussed.