Abstract
The morphological changes of Szidatia joyeuxi (Trematoda: Cyathocotylidae) during its development in the definitive host were studied. Four stages were selected: 24- and 48-hour-old juveniles and 3- and 6-month-old adults. The body underwent a real metamorphosis in its general organization and tegumental ultrastructure. It became bipartite with a linguiform and spinous forebody and a subcylindrical and aspinous hindbody. The tegumental spines became multi-pointed almost immediately after the definitive host was infected. The high degree of complexity of the parasite was reached six months later. These changes, as well as their functional aspects, are discussed and compared with other trematodes. The interpretation that the multi-pointed spines serve to abrade the host's tissues, thus permitting extra-corporeal digestion, is supported.
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