Description of the o�cysts of three new species of coccidia (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from lizards in Namibia

Abstract

Three new species of coccidian were recovered from the intestinal contents and faeces of lizards in Namibia, southwest Africa. Oocysts of Eimeria barnardi n. sp. are described from Rhoptropus barnardi (Gekkonidae) and are ellipsoidal, 24.3 × 19.9 (21–26.5 × 16–22) μm; shape index (length/width) 1.22 (1.12–1.30). A micropyle and oocyst residuum are absent but a fragmented polar granule is present. Sporocysts are subspherical, 9.2 × 8.3 (8–11 × 7.5–9) μm; shape index 1.11 (1.02–1.27). Oocysts of Eimeria pachybibroni n. sp. were found in Pachydactylus bibroni (Gekkonidae) and are ellipsoidal, 26.2 × 18.2 (21.5–28 × 16–19) μm; shape index 1.44 (1.30–1.52). A micropyle and oocyst residuum are absent but a polar granule is present. Sporocysts are subspherical, 8.9 × 8.0 (8–9.5 × 7–8.5) μm; shape index 1.12 (1.03–1.20). Oocysts of Isospora spilogaster n. sp. are reported from Mabuya spilogaster (Scincidae) and are subspherical, 27.4 × 26.0 (21.5–35 × 21–35) μm; shape index 1.05 (1.00–1.13). Micropyle, oocyst residuum and polar granules are absent. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal, 13.2 × 9.7 (10.5–15 × 9–11) μm; shape index 1.36 (1.08–1.50).