GASTROINTESTINAL NEMATODES OF THE FRILLNECK LIZARD, CHLAMYDOSAURUS-KINGII (AGAMIDAE), WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO SKRJABINOPTERA-GOLDMANAE(SPIRURIDA, PHYSALOPTERIDAE)

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