A new species of(Digenea: Schistosomatidae) from(Aves: Anatidae), an endemic South American duck.

Abstract

Avian schistosomatids are blood flukes parasitizing a wide spectrum of aquatic birds. However, its research in the Neotropics is ongoing with several putative newpending description. Although waterfowl represent the most important avian hosts for these flukes, only a small proportion of these birds have been assessed for schistosomatids. This study aimed to describe avian schistosomatids from two native ducks from the Southern Cone of South America. A total of 24 Chiloe wigeon () and three Cinnamon teals () from different localities in Chile and Argentina were dissected to retrieve schistosomatids. The retrieved worms were described through an integrative approach considering morphology (staining and SEM) and molecular tools (PCR:,rRNA genes). The new schistosomatid:sp. nov. was recovered from the viscera of Chiloe wigeon. It was closely related to other undescribedtaxa from the United States, also fromducks. The new species was morphologically and molecularly different from otherspecies, and it was included in the clade Q. In addition, SEM imaging proved to be an important tool to describe unnoticed traits on the tegument of worms. This new species represents the secondtaxon from the Neotropics described through an integrative approach. Furthermore, the Cinnamon teals harbouredConsidering there are several avian schistosomatids described only through morphological or molecular tools, there is a clear need to include a comprehensive approach in the description of avian schistosomatids, considering the remarkable richness of schistosomatids in Neotropics.