Thysanotaenia congolensis n. sp. (Cestoda : Anoplocephalidae) in the lesser savanna cane rat, Thryonomys gregorianus from Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa

Ten (100%) lesser savanna cane rats, Thryonomys gregorianus, collected from the Lake Kivv area of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa were found to be infected with an undescribed anoplocephalid tapeworm, Thysanotaenia c ongolensis n. sp. Like other species of Thysanotaenia, T. congolensis n. sp . has the ovary and vitellarium centrally located, and the egg capsules and testes are intervascular. The new species differs from the 2 existing spec ies, Thysanotaenia lemuris in lemurs and Thysanotaenia cubensis in humans, in being smaller (34-50 mm long) and in having a smaller scolex (260-410 mu m in diameter), a shorter cirrus sac (115 mu m long), and smaller eggs (40 mu m in diameter). Anastomoses of the excretory system and formation of eg g capsules in the new species are also described.