DOI: 10.5958/0974-0813.2025.00025.7 ISSN: 0971-6157
A new host record of Parapharyngodon sp. (Nematoda: Pharyngodonidae) from monitor lizard (Varanus bengalensis) in Tamil Nadu, India
E. Tamileniyan, V. M. Thayanithi, A. Latchumikanthan, M. Veeraselvam, R. VelusamyFaecal sample from an adult monitor lizard (Varanus bengalensis) was examined for gastrointestinal parasites. Gross examination of sample revealed whitish nematodes. Morphological characteristics of round worms were consistent with Parapharyngodon sp. including a trilobed cephalic region and oesophageal bulb. Males had a single spicule and curved tail; females were larger in size, with genital opening at middle of the body and conical tail. Thick shelled eggs were found with the morphometry of 80–100 pm. This represents a new host record of Parapharyngodon spp. in monitor lizard.