1. Art and Diseño

Studies on the m orphology of som e oxyurid nem atodes
from com m on toad in K ashm ir.
D. N, FOTEDAR
&
R. K. TIKOO
Post-Graduate Department of Zoology,
J & K University, Srinagar, Kashmir, ( India ).
P A R T III ( A B ST R A C T S ) O F T H E PRCEEDINGS OF T H E
53rd SESSION OF
T H E INDIAN SCIEN CE CONGRESS — CH ANDIGARH , 1965-66.
Reprinted From :
firoca's Press, Srinagar.
63A.
Studies on the m orphology of som e oxyurid nem atodes
from com m on toad In K ashm ir.
D. N. F O T E D A R
&
R. K. TIKOO, Srinagar.
Present studies pertain to two oxyurid nematodes, Oxysomatium srinagarensis
F o t e d a r , 1960 and Cosmocerca kashmirensis F o t e d a r , 1959, recovered from
the rectum of Bufo viridis from various areas in Kashmir. Heavy infection in
the host was recorded in September. Many toads were found to harbour both
the forms of oxyurids. Several variations were recorded in the two species.
Their brief description and revised specific diagnosis is given in the paper.
In 0 . srinagarensis, variations are recorded in the number of papillae
and body measurements including those of spicules. The papillae in male
post-cloacal region are found to vary from 8 to 10 pairs, those in cloacal
region from 3 to 5 pairs. Paired papillae are also recorded in pre-cloacal region.
In C. kashmirensis, variations are mainly recorded in plectanes and in
the distribution of simple papillae in the male caudal region. While the typical
number of 19 plectanes, (8 pairs in two irregular row’s and 3 additional
plectanes-rosettes), some specimens have only 7 pairs of fully developed
plectanes and 3 additional rosettes. The position of lateral rosette also varies.
Three additional rosettes were not seen in specimens which were otherwise well
developed. As regards the post-cloacal papillae, the number is variable, being
1 to 5 pairs ventral, 3 to 4 pairs dorsal and 1 pair caudal.
O b a New Species of the Nem atode Genus
Kalicephalus Molin, 1861 from a Snake in K ashm ir.
D. N. FOTEDAR, M. K. RAINA AND RATNI TIKOO
Reprinted from
K A S H M IR SCIEN CE, Vol. Ill, Nos. 1-2, December 1966.
On a New Species of the N em atode Genus Kalicepkalus
Molin, 1861 from a Snake in K ashm ir.
D. N. Fotedar, M . K, R ain a & Ratni T ikoo
Post - Graduate Department o f Zoology,
J & K University, Srinagar, K ashm ir.
INDIA
Several specimens of the genus KaVicephalus M o l i n , 1861 were collec­
ted from the oesophagus and stomach of two common snakes of Kashmir,
Ptyas mucosus and Tropidonolus platyceps. From the former snake eight specimens,
three females and five males, were found to constitute a new species. One of
the female specimens was collected from the stomach of another host of the
same species and the remaining specimens from the oesophagus. The specimens
collected from the stomach of Tropidonotus platyceps, one male and two females,
were found to belong to K. indicus O r t l e p p , 1923 which are briefly
described herein.
Strongylata Railliet & Henery, 1913.
Strongyloidea Weinland, 1858.
Diaphanocephalidae Travassos, 1919.
Kalicepkalus Molin, 1861.
Kalicepkalus kashmirensis n. sp.
Host : Ptyas mucosus
Location : Oesophagus and Stomach
Locality : Srinagar, Kashmir.
The worms are stout and cylindrical with anterior end dorso - ventrally
broad and obliquely truncated. The maximum diameter is attained at about
the middle of body, wherefrom it tapers slightly posteriorily. In both the
sexes the cuticle shows longitudinal striations and bears minute to large
papilla—like structures which are profusely developed in the anterior and pos­
terior regions of the body. The posterior region also shows transverse
cuticular striations.
The buccal capsule is compressed laterally and is without teeth. Mouth
is a dorso-ventrally elongated slit, bounded by two lateral lips. Each lip
bears three papillae which correspond to three parenchymatous bands in the
buccal capsule. The buccal capsule is supported at its base by chitinous
94
D. N. FOTEDAR, M. K. RAINA AND RATNI TIKOO
triangular plates and transverse bars. The buccal capsule is usually broader
than long. The oesophagus is flask shaped and lined internally by chitin, and
the billb has a diameter more than half the length of oesophagus.
The oesophageal glands are well developed. The intestine runs straight to the
posterior end and has roughly a uniform diameter throughout its length. The
excretory pore is present at the level of the junction of oesophagus and intestine.
Male
Males are smaller than females. The bursa is broad and has two small ventral
lobes, two large lateral lobes and a median dorsal lobe. The bursa is supported by rays.
The ventro - ventral, and ventro - lateral arise from the same stem and are of equal
size. The externo - lateral, medio - lateral and postero - lateral also arise from a
common stem. The postero - lateral is the longest of the three and the externo lateral is the shortest. Externo - dorsal rays arise at the base of the dorsal and
are long, directed outwards and backwards. The dorsal ray divides into two
branches, each of which gives rise to three branches in turn. The first branch is given
out on the outer side after which the main branch extends a short distance before
dividing into two branches, the inner one being longer than the outer one. The
two spicules are long and unequal or sub - equal. They are provided with alae,
usually on the inner side with a rough margin. The spicules are broad at the
base showing clear transverse striations and gradually tapering towards the tips
where they form a long spear like expansion, The gubernaculum is not well
represented but instead the whole wall of the cloaca seems to be chitinised
forming a well de/eloped telamon at the tip. On either side of the so formed
genital cone there are two extensions, the inner one smaller and papillae like
and the outer one larger and flap like. Pre - bursal papillae are not seen.
Female
The females are broad anteriorly and tapering towards the posterior end. The
tail, is short bearing a small acuminate spine - like tip. The ovaries are much
coiled and long. The vulva is on a prominent protuberance situated in
the posterior region of body. Behind the said valvar protuberance is a slight
bulbous enlargement of the body. The vagina is short. The anterior uterus
runs straight towards the anterior end, while the posterior one after taking a
slight turn runs parallel to the first one. This is a constant feature in all the
specimens. The eggs are ovoid and immature in all the specimens and measure
0.045 X 0.03 mm in size.
Measurements ( in m m .)
M ale
A
B
C
D
Length.
5.7
5.925
5.925
7.35
Max. breadth at middip
0.24
0.255
0.255
0.27
Breadth oes. level
0.21
0.225
0.21
0.27
Breadth Pre-bursal level
0.15
0.18
0.195
0.21
Oes. length.
0.255
0.27
0.255
0.33
95
NEW SPECIES OF KALICEPHALUS
0.15
0.165
0.15
0.21
0.39
0.405
0.405
0.36
0.405
0.395
0.36
0.345
Buccal capsule length.
0.135
0.135
0.135
0.15
Buccal capsule breadth.
0.15
0.135
0.15
0.165
Oes. length,
Oes. breadth.
1.7
1.63
1.7
1.57
Bursa length.
0.18
1.18
1.18
1.195
Bursa breadth.
0.48
0.57
0.54
0.63
Oes. breadth.
Spicule length
(a)
(b )
A
Length.
7.5
B
8.55
Max. breadth at middle.
0.345
0.375
0.375
Breadth at oes.
0.225
0.225
0.225
Breadth at preanal region.
0.135
0.12
0.135
Oes. length.
0.285
0.315
0.3
Oes. breadth.
0.165
0.18
0.18
Distance from ant. end to vulva
5.85
6.525
6.75
Length of vulvar projection.
Tail length.
0.075
0.195
0.075
0.2
0.09
0.18
Buccal capsule length.
0.15
0.15
0.15
Buccal capsule breadth.
Total length
Distance from ant. end to vulva
Tatal length
Distance from post, end to vulva
0.18
0.18
0.18
1.28
1.31
1.33
4.54
4.2
4
C
9
96
D. N. FOTEDAR, M. K. RAINA AND RATNI TIKOO
DISCUSSION
At present the family Diaphanocephalidae T r a v a s s o s , 1920 includes
three genera, namely Diaphanocephalus D i e s i n g , 1851; Kalicepkalus
M o l i n , 1861 and Occipitodontus O r t l e p p , 1923. As regards Occipitodontus
there is much controversy. The genus was raised by O r t l e p p (1923)
for Kalicepkalus willeyi, L i n s t o w , 1904, on the basis of the structure of
buccal capsule which is different from the other two genera. B a y 1 i s and
D a u b n e y ( 1925 ) synonimised it again with Kalicephalus which was also
recognised by M a p l e s t o n e (1931) and later followed by Y a m a g u t i
(1961). Y e h ( 1956) is of the opinion that Occipitodontus is a valid genus as
recognised earlier by S k r j a b i n ( 1952). The validity of the genus is quite
evident, because the structure of the buccal capsule is taken as an important
taxonomic character, the buccal capsule being distinct from the other two
genera in Occipitodontus.
As regards the fourth genus Kalicephaloides proposed by Y e h ( 1956 )
for Kalicephalus minutus ( B a y l i s and D a u b n e y , 1922 ), the authors are
of the opinion that it cannot be separated from all other species of Kalicep­
halus and given the rank of a genus only on the basis of unequal spicules
and the slight difference in the branching of the dorsal ray. These differences
are of specific value and this species is considered here as a member of the
genus Kalicephalus.
The present form is assigned to Kalicephalus because its buccal capsule
and other morphological characters are similar to the genus. It however
resembles Diaphanocephalus D i e s i n g , 1851 in having unequal spicules, but
differs from it in many other characters. The authors do not think it plausi­
ble to raise it to a new genus, although it differs from all species of Kalicep­
halus in having a 5 - lobed bursa and unequal spicules. ( Unequal spicules have
been reported in K. naiae M a p l e s t o n e , 1931 but Yamaguti (1961) includes
equal spicules as one of the diagnostic features of Kalicephalus).
There are at present about 48 species of Kalicephalus as recognised by
S k r j a b i n ( 1961 ) while Y a m a g u t i (1961) recognises 50 species, in which
he includes species of Occipitodontus also. Out of all
these species only two
have been reported from the Oesophagus ( besides other parts of g u t) of
snakes; these are K. willeyi L i n s t o w , 1904 and K. tennesseensis
H a r d w o o d , 1934.
There are four species which have also been reported from the same
host from which the present specimens were collected. There a r e : K. bengalensis
M a p l e s t o n e , 1929; K. indicus O r t l e p p , 1923, K. brachycephalus
M a p l e s t o n e , 1923 and K. elongatus M a p l e s t o n e , 1931, but none of
these reported pertain to the oesophagus of the snake. From, all the existing
species of the genus the present form seems to be nearer to the above men­
tioned species as also to K. parvus M a p l e s t o n e , 1931. From the latter it
differs in size ratios and in having uneqal or subequal spicules and 5 lobed bursa.
The vulvar region which is prominent on a protuberance and has a post
vulvar enlargement in the species under discussion is not so in K. indicus.
NEW SPECIES OF KALICEPHALUS
97
In K. bengalensis the bursa ends in two sharp points ventrally and a
pre-bursa! papilla is present. Both the features are absent in the present form.
M oreover, the inner last branch of the dorsal ray is the longest in the present
form which are equal in K. bengalensis. The telamon is very well developed
in the present species and is U - shaped with one of its limbs slightly longer.
In K. bengalensis only the tips of the spicules are alate, while in the present
form the spicules are alate along their whole length. A gubernaclum is apparen­
tly absent in the present form. The females of the two species resemble in
having a protuberant vagina, which is more prominent* in our specimens
( K. kashmirensis). In K. kashmirensis the vagina is very short and divides
into two uteri, the posterior one taking a short turn before running
parallel to the anterior uteru s; but in K. bengalensis the posterior uterus
starts half way between the vulva and the anus.
A comparsion of K. brachycephalus with K. kashmirensis suggests that the
manner of division of the dorsal ray is vividly different in our species. They
also differ in the structure of spicules.
The present form resembles K. parvus M a p l e s t o n e , 1931 in
having excretory pore at the same level and in the manner of branching
of dorsal and other rays, but differs in the structure of bursa and spicules.
In view of the above discussion based on characters different from
those possessed by the existing species, the present form is regarded
as a new species under the genus Kalicephalus M o l i n 1861 for which the
name Kalicephalus kashmirensis is proposed.
( The specimens deposited in the Helminthological laboratory of P. G.
Department of Zoology, J & K University, Srinagar. — Collection No. N 30A )
Kalicephalus indicus O r 1 1 e p p , 1923.
H o st: Tropidonotus platyceps.
Location : Stomach.
Locality: Pahalgam (K ashm ir),
The parasites are relatively small and the cuticle shows the usual
longitudinal striations. T he papillae over the cuticle are sparse. The buccal
capsule is like other species showing variations in size only. The duct of
dorsal oesophageal gland projects into the mouth cavity.
Male
The male is smaller than the females and has a Companulate trilobed
bursa. Ventral rays are long and closely approximated. Laterals arise from
common trunk and are separated from each other. All the laterals are shorter
than the ventrals, the externo lateral being the shortest. Externo - dorsals are
short and stout arising from the dorsal ray. The dorsal ray further divides
into two branches, each branch gives off two small branches one after
the other and a third branch which is the longest. Spicules are equal, long
and thin. They are broad at the base and tapering towards the apex and
are twisted a little above apex. Gubernaculum is stout, rod-shaped and dorsal
to the spicule. It is less than- half the length of the spicule. Telamon is
not seen. There are no pre-bursal papillae.
NEW SPECIES OF KALICEPHALUS
99
Female
The tail is small and conical. It is tapering gradually and has transversely
striated cuticle. Vulva is located in the posterior region. The uteri are diver­
gent continuing a little distance behind before turning anteriorly. Immature
eggs are oval in outline. The body papillae are large and scanty.
Measurements ( in m m .)
Male
Female
5.2-5.6
Length
4
0.18
0.24
Breadth
Buccal capsule length
0.1
0.12
Buccal capsule breadth
0.1
0.1
Length of Oesophagus
0.21
0.23
Breadth of Oesophagus
0.09
0.1
Nerve ring ( from ant. end )
0.16
—
Length of bursa
0.33
—
W idth of bursa
0.19
—
Length of spicule
0.22 -
—
Length of gubernaculum
0.09
—
Length of tail
—
0.19
Distance between vagina and tail tip
—
1.5
SUMMARY
1. Kalicephalus kashmirensis n. sp. is described from Ply as mucosus of
Kashmir. It has unequal and alate spicules with distal spear-like expansions,
well developed telamon and two extensions on either side of genital cone.
The females have a prominent vulvar protuberance and a short acuminate
caudal spine.
2. Kalicephaloides Y e h , 1956 is suppressed as synonym of Kalicephalus.
3. Kalicephalus indicus O r t l e p p ,
platyceps of Kashmir.
1923 is recorded from Topidonotus
100
D. N. FOTEDAR, M. K. RAINA AND RATNI TIKOO
REFERENCES
Maplestone, P. A., 1929.- Two new species of nematodes from Indian hosts.
Ree. Indian. Mus., 31 s 87 - 92.
1932.- Parasitic Nematodes obtained from animals dying
in the Calcutta Zoological Gardens. Part II.
Rec. Indian. M us., 34 : 251-261.
1952.- Stongylata. In Skrjabin, K. I. Key to parasitic
Skrjabin, K. I.,
nematodes ( in Russian tex t) vol. III. Acad.
Schikhobalova, N. P
Science Moscow 882 pp. English translation by
Schulz, R. S.,
Birron, A., and Cole Z. S. (1961 ) Israel Programme
Popova, T. I.,
Sci. Translation Jeruselem, 890 pp.
Boev, S. N„ and
Deylamure, S. L.,
1961.- Systema Helminthum ; vol. III. The Nematodes of
Yamaguti, S.,
Vertebrates. Parts I & II Interscience Pub. N. Y.
1261 pp.
Yeh, Liang-Sheng., 1956.- O n Kalicephalus hongkongensis n. sp. from Elaphe
moellendoiffi and the erection of a new genus
Kalicephaloides. J . Helminth. 30 ( 4 ) : 203-210.
1926.- The nematode parasites of vertebrates. London,
York, W ., &
536 pp.
Maplestone, P. A.,
Printed at Br oca's Artistic Press, Srinagar, Kashmir.
Ccsmocerca kashmirensis Fotedar,
Bufoviridisin Kashmir-
On the life cycle c f
1959 com m on nem atode parasite o f
D. N. FO T E D A R A N D R A T N I TIK O O
P o st-G rad u ate D epartm ent of Zoojogy,
J . <& K . University, Srinagar. Kashmir-India
R eprinted
from :
Proceeding of the 54th Session of the Indian Science Corgress, Hyderabad
1967, P art IV (Late A bstracts), p. 21
p. 21
8. On the life cycle of Cosmocerca kashmirensis Fotedar,
1959, common nematode parasite of Bufo viridis in Kashmir.
D. N . F O T E D A R & R A T N I T IK O ‘
Srinagar
F otedar (1959) described Cosmocerca kashmirensis from the
rectum of Bufo viridis, common toad in Kashm ir. This is the
first record of th e genus from Indian region. F otedar and
Tikoo (1955) rep o rted several variations in this parasite and
the o th er common oxyurid parasite of Bufo, Oxysomatium
srinagwensis F otedar, 1960. P resen t studies p ertain to th e
life cycle of Cosmocercj. kashmirensis. The egg and its early
segm entation, first and second stage h rv a of the parasite have
been studied by th e authors.
G ravid fem ales, recovered from th e toads, w ere allow ed
to oviposit in several media. R at faeces boiled in w ater and
the solution filtered was used as satisfactory m edium for
the developm ent of larvae H ost faeces gave equally satisfac­
tory results
The em bryonated eggs after being released by th e female,
hatched w ithin 2 —4 hours a t room tem p eratu re A t 24” C it
takes 4—5 days for th e second stage larvae to develop The
second stage or th e infective stage larvae are less active.
They w ere fed orally to laboratory bred toads. Young adults
were developed w ithin 8— 10 days and m ature ones w ithin
15—20 days.
Further studies on the life cycle of
Cosmocerca kashmirensis
Bufo
Fotedar, 1959, common oxyurid nematode parasite of
viridis in Kashmir.
D. N. FO T E D A R A N D R A T N I TIK OO
P o st-G rad u ate D epartm ent of Zoology,
J . c& K . University, Srinagar, Kashmir-India
Reprinted from :
Proceedings of the 55th Session of the Indian Science Congress,
Vatana&i, January 1968, P art III (A bstracts), p. 460.
p 460
studies on the life cy cle o f
Cosmocerca
k25.
ashmiFurther
rensis Fotedar,
1959, com m on oxyurid nem atode
parasite o f Bufo v
iridis in Kashmir
D. N. FO T E D A R & R A T N I TIKOO
Srinagar.
CosmocercaKashmvensisis a common parasite of the rectum
of Bufoviridis in Kashmir. F otedar and Tikoo (1966) studied
its m orphology and th at of Oxysomatium srinagarensis Fotedar,
I960 in detail and recorded several morphological variations.
The present w ork on the life cycle of C- Kashmirensis includes
the study of egg and its early segm entation, I and Il-stage free
living juveniles and mode of infection to the host.
R at faeces boiled in w ater and solution filtered was used
as a satisfactory medium for the juveniles. M edium prepared
from host faeces was equally satisfactory. The gravid females
released eggs in tap w ater and norm al salt solution as easily
as in the said media.
The em bryonated eggs hatched w ithin 2-4 hours at n_om
tem p eratu re (22-32°C) afcer th eir release from gravid females
T he I-stage juvenile is 0.45-0.67 mm. long and has a short
cylindical buccal capsule The oesophagus is rhabditiform type.
It is highly mobile and continues to be so for 4-5 days after
w hich lethargus sets in for a few hours and then it undergoes
m oulting
The Il-stage (infective stage) juvenile resem bles filiform
larv a. It rem ains sheathed for some tim e, moving about w ithin
old cuticle. Soon it sheds off the cuticle and shows active
m ovem ents for a brief period of 24-36 hours. It is 0 5-0 7 mm.
long. T he buccal capsule in reduced and oesophagus elongated
The in testin al cells are in tw o prom inent rows and the genital
prim ordia are along ventral side.
E arlier presum ption of the authors th a t rhe juveniles rea­
ched d ire c t to the norm al site of the host for fu rth er grow th
and sexual developm ent was found to be wrong by subsequent
experim ents on the mode of infaction. Il-stage juveniles are
capable of active penetration through host skin. Visceral
m igration was found necessary for the juveniles. Juveniles w ith
larger size w ere recovered 3 days after the toads were ex­
posed to infection by placing th eir skin in close contact w ith
the infective stage juveniles in shallow containers. The toads
previously tested for negative infection, w ere also successfully
infected by subcutaneous injection of the juveniles. It takes
10-14 days for the parasites to reach th e norm al site for fu rth er
grow th and sexual m aturity.
T he longevity of the adults and the viability of eggs and
juveniles in differen t m edia and at different tem peratures are
also being studied.
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