Notes on some Avian Species of Ascaridia

Abstract

A large collection of avian Ascaridia from a wide diversity of hosts and localities is reported upon. It comprised six species, A. galli, A. columbae, A. compar, A. cristata, A. hermaphrodita and A. numidae. Their morphology is examined critically with reference to previous descriptions, especially in the case of A. columbae, A. cristata, A. hermaphrodita and A. compar, and a new variety of A. columbae is described.The taxonomic significance of spicule morphology and the tubercles on the ventral surface of the male tail in Ascaridia is discussed.