Biuterina (?) sp. 2

Material examined

MALAYSIA • 1 incomplete specimen (terminating with a few early mature proglottides); Selangor, University of Malaya’s Gombak Field Station; 3.32° N, 101.77° E; 280–350 m a.s.l.; 31 Jul. 2010; partial COI sequence, Genbank MN 590288; MHNG-PLAT-120689 .

Host

Alophoixus bres (Lesson, 1832) ( Passeriformes, Pycnonotidae).

Remarks

This worm also shows characters of the genus Biuterina, although the lack of gravid proglottides does not allow a definitive identification. Scolex 325 in diameter. Suckers strong, 162–165 in diameter. Rostellum muscular, 120 in diameter, armed with double crown of 38 typical triangular hooks. Hooks about 15–16 long in both rows, those from first row slightly less massive. Genital pores irregularly alternating, opening slightly anteriorly to middle of lateral proglottis margin. Genital ducts passing between excretory canals. Testes in one continuous posterior field, 7–10 in number. Cirrus pouch elongate, regular, with strong walls, 74–84 × 28–34 (80 × 30, n = 7), not reaching or just reaching poral osmoregulatory canals. Vagina posterior to cirrus-sac. As for Biuterina sp. 1, the combination of number/length of rostellar hooks of this specimen seems to have not been observed in the presently known species of Biuterina (see Georgiev & Mariaux 2007). It is similar to B. jensenae sp. nov. and found in the same host family, but shows fewer rostellar hooks, slightly fewer testes and a shorter cirrussac. It is considered here a different taxon to be described when more abundant material is available.