New Family, New Genus, New Species of Acanthocephala (Echinorhynchida) from the Lizard, Sphenomorphus granulatus (Sauria: Scincidae), from Papua New Guinea

Abstract

Sauracanthorhynchus sphenomorphicola n. gen., n. sp. from the intestines of the skink Sphenomorphus granu- latus (Scincidae) from Papua New Guinea is described and illustrated. Sauracanthorhynchus sphenomorphicola is charac- terized by a subterminal, spheroid proboscis supporting 25 hooks arranged in 10 alternating longitudinal rows of 2 and 3; apical hooks slightly shorter than medial and posterior hooks. The trunk is commaform with an anterior expansion; 2 con- tiguous ovoid testes are located in the anterior third of the trunk. Sauracanthorhynchus sphenomorphicola is sufficiently different from other species assigned to the Echinorhynchida that a new family, Sauracanthorhynchidae is erected for it.