CONTRACAECUM-MAGNIPAPILLATUM (NEMATODA, ASCARIDOIDEA) - RESURRECTION AND PATHOGENIC EFFECT OF A COMMON PARASITE FROM THE PROVENTRICULUS OF ANOUS-MINUTUS FROM THE GREAT-BARRIER-REEF, WITH A NOTE ON CONTRACAECUM-VARIEGATUM

The nematode parasite Contracaecum magnipapillatum obtained from ulcer ated nodules in the proventriculus of the piscivorous black noddy tern , Anous minutus, and here considered a senior synonym of C. magnicolla re, is resurrected and redescribed. It is morphologically similar to t he widely reported Contracaecum variegatum. That species was examined and is separated from C. magnipapillatum by differences in the lips an d interlabia when studied by light and scanning electron microscopy. S upplemental data also are provided for the fourth stage larva of C. ma gnipapillatum. The high prevalence and intensity of infection of the n ematode in the large noddy population on Heron Island, Southern Great Barrier Reef, support the importance of defining its taxonomic status. Our morphological data serve as a basis for comparative studies of ot her species in the genus and answer questions relating to epidemiology , zoogeography, and phylogeny of species of Contracaecum. Infection in the proventriculus is highly infective and induces an extensive infla mmatory response.