Three New Coccidia (Protozoa: Telosporea) from Kingsnakes, Lampropeltis spp., in Illinois, with a Redescription of Eimeria zamenis Phisalix, 1921

Abstract

Eimeria lampropeltis sp. n., Caryospora lampropeltis sp. n., and Cryptosporidium lampropeltis sp. n. are described from the host Lampropeltis c. calligaster and E. zamenis is redescribed from this host and from L. getulus holbrooki. Oocysts of E. lampropeltis are ellipsoidal with a smooth outer wall measuring 29 to 38 by 14 to 20 u, mean 30.4 by 16.3. E. zamenis oocysts are ellipsoidal with a smooth outer wall measuring 28 to 33 by 14 to 19 [mu], mean 30.2 by 16.2. Oocysts of C. lampropeltis are round with a finely pitted outer wall measuring 20 to 25 [mu] in diameter, mean 23.3. Each oocyst contains one thick-walled sporocyst with a prominent Stieda body and 8 banana-shaped sporozoites. C. lampropeltis oocysts are ovoid with a thin, smooth outer wall measuring 10 to 12 by 8 to 9 [mu]., mean 10.9 by 8.1. Each oocyst contains 4 sporozoites which measure 6 to 8 by 1 to 2 [mu], mean 7.0 by 1.9.