The Discovery of a New Genus of the Prosthenorchis Travassos, 1915 (Acanthocephala: Oligacanthorhynchidae) Complex in North America, with the Description of Neoprosthenorchis bifestoonatus n. gen., n. sp. from Bobcats in Louisiana

Abstract

Neoprosthenorchis bifestoonatus n. gen., n. sp. (Oligacanthorhynchidae) is described from a bobcat, Lynx rufus (Schreber) (Felidae) in Louisiana. Neoprosthenorchis is the third of the genera comprising the Prosthenorchis Travassos, 1915 complex and the first in North America. The other two genera are Prosthenorchis from primates in South America and Felidae in Africa and Paraprosthenorchis Amin, Ha, Heckmann 2008 from Manidae in Vietnam. Neoprosthenorchis n. gen. is distinguished from the other genera of the complex by having two conspicuous sets of festoons at the anterior end of the trunk. The first set is made up of long and narrow vertical ribs encircling the anterior trunk and the overlaying second is a prominent horizontal undulating band. The festoons of Neoprothenorchis bifestoonatus n. gen., n. sp., especially the second set, are unique and different from all others previously described. Species in the two other genera normally have one crown of vertically ribbed festoons each. In addition, the North American species N. bifestoonatus also has a non-ornate longer than wide proboscis with 12 rows of 3 hooks with lateral slits, each without barbs but with simple heart-shaped roots and slight anterior manubria. A detailed description with line drawings and light microscope images along with the history of the concept of Prosthenorchis are provided.