OBSERVATIONS ON THE LIFE CYCLE OF CAPILLARIA HEPATICA (BANCROFT, 1893) WITH A DESCRIPTION OF THE ADULT

Abstract

The morphology of adult Capillaria hepatica, (Bancroft, 1893) Travassos, 1915 is described in detail from a collection of two entire specimens and 16 fragments. Experiments are reported which indicate that eggs of C. hepatica obtained from Peromyscus maniculatus in Algonquin Park, Ontario, when embryonated, unembryonated, or in various stages of development, are resistant to the low temperatures they might encounter during northern winters. The morphology of the larval stages is also described and evidence is cited indicating a direct larval migration to the liver of the host probably through the hepatic portal system.