Gastrointestinal Nematodes of the Frillneck Lizard, Chlamydosaurus-Kingii (Agamidae), With Particular Reference to Skrjabinoptera-Goldmanae (Spirurida, Physalopteridae)

Abstract

Maxvachonia brygooi, Strongyluris; paronai, Physalopteroides filicaudo, Abbreviata anomala, A. confusa, Skrjabinoptera goldmanae and unidentified species of Oxyuroidea and Trichostrongyloidea were recovered from the gastrointestinal tract of the frillneck lizard, Chlamydosaurus kingii, from northern Australia. The nematode fauna is similar to that found in Pogona mitchelli (Agamidae). Skrj. goldmanae was the most abundant nematode; adults were attached to the stomach wall with their anterior ends buried within the submucosa. The hosts' histopathological responses consisted of collagen proliferation with macrophage infiltration, and evidence is presented that worms in the tissues die and are resorbed. Possible explanations for this mode of feeding and for the host reaction are discussed in terms of the annual activity cycle of the lizard host.