NEMATODE LARVAE IN FOSSILIZED ANIMAL COPROLITES FROM LOWER AND MIDDLEPLEISTOCENE SITES, CENTRAL ITALY

Nematode larvae were found in mineralized animal coprolites collected in lower and middle Pleistocene sites, central Italy. Coprolites colle cted in 4 paleontological sites dated from 1.5 million years to 30,000 years ago were identified as of Hyaenidae (Mammalia, Carnivora). Chec klists available for present-day Hyaenidae did not permit identificati on of the larvae found. This is one of the most ancient parasite findi ngs in coprolites.