Recognition of cyclic transmission of Sarcocystis stehlinii n. sp. in the Gran Canarian giant lizard.

Abstract

The transmission of Sarcocystis species via cannibalism seems to be common among lizards of the genus Gallotia that are endemic to the Canary Islands. Gran Canarian giant lizards, Gallotia stehlini, were screened for the presence of sarcosporidian parasites. Sarcocysts, measuring 90-400 micrometers in length and 60-160 micrometers in width, were found in the musculature of the lizards' tails. In their feces the lizards passed sporocysts of 8.5(8.2-9.4) x 6.5(5.9-7.0) micrometers. A series of laboratory infections was carried out to shed light on the life cycle of Sarocystis stehlinii n.sp., proving it to be another dihomoxenous Sarcocystis species.