Echinostomatidae
Echinostomatidae
Echinostomatidae (pronounced eh-ki-no-sto-ma-ti-dee) is a family of trematodes, commonly known as the echinostomes. This family belongs to the class Trematoda, phylum Platyhelminthes, and kingdom Animalia.
Etymology
The term "Echinostomatidae" is derived from the Greek words "echinos," meaning hedgehog, and "stoma," meaning mouth. This is in reference to the characteristic row of spines around the mouth of the organisms in this family.
Description
Echinostomatidae are characterized by a ventral sucker and an oral sucker, the latter of which is surrounded by a collar of spines. These spines are a key identifying feature of the family. The life cycle of echinostomes typically involves two or three hosts, with the definitive host being a bird or mammal, and the intermediate hosts being snails and/or other mollusks.
Related Terms
- Trematode: A class of parasitic flatworms, of which Echinostomatidae is a part.
- Platyhelminth: The phylum to which Echinostomatidae belongs, also known as flatworms.
- Animal: The kingdom that includes Echinostomatidae.
See Also
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