HOST-INDUCED AND GEOGRAPHICAL VARIATION IN LEVINSENIELLA-CRUZI TRAVASSOS, 1920 (DIGENEA, MICROPHALLIDAE)

Morphological variation in Levinseniella cruzi (Digenea: Microphallida e) among the hosts from 3 localities, Rollandia rolland chilensis (Pod icipedidae), Himantopus melanurus (Recurvirostridae), and Vanellus chi lensis lampronotus (Charadriidae), was analyzed through an ANOVA test and with cluster analysis. A great variation in body shape and size of parasites is noted. Male pocket length and number, sucker diameter, p harynx and genital papillae length, and ratio of suckers appear to be the most constant features and, therefore, valuable for systematic pur poses. The morphological variation is discussed in relation to host sp ecies and geographical distribution. A new host for L. cruzi is report ed.