Scanning Electron Microscopy of Integumental Surfaces of Schistosoma intercalatum

Abstract

Scanning electron microscopy was employed to study critical point dried Schistosoma intercalatum adults at 120 to 6,000 X magnifications. Well-developed integrumental elevations, or bosses, with variable spination account for the roughness of the male schistosome. The female is relatively smooth even though it possesses minute spines on the posterior part of the body. SEM reveals that the gynecophoral canal of the male, especially the presence of a gynecophoral fold, provides an effective means for clasping the female when in copula.