A novel aseptate gregarine, Zygocystis hafizi, was described for the first time as a new species from the seminal vesicles of oligochaete earthworms, Pheretima californica, P. hawayana and P. elongata. This new species is an intracellular parasite, its life cycle stages are reported in morulae of the seminal vesicles of these earthworms. Syzygy stage (14.7 ± 0.1 x 4.3 ± 0.2 μm) is observed in coelomocytes inside the seminal vesicles. Sporocysts are navicular measuring 11.7 ± 0.5 x 5.3 ± 0.3 µm, with slightly thick elevated polar plugs. Ultrastructure of the sporocysts was discussed.
Key words: Gregarine; Pheretima; seminal vesicle; Zygocystis
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