﻿SNAIL HOST OF ORIENTAL LUNG FLUKE ABBOTT 113 



temperatures remain above 75° F. Its public health menace is negli- 

 gible by virtue of the complex life cycle of the parasite that it is 

 capable of carrying. A second intermediate host, usually a fresh- 

 water crayfish or crab, is a necessary part of the life cycle of 

 Paragonimus. Furthermore, in order to accomplish infection of the 

 definitive host the crayfish must be eaten raw, a custom which is infre- 

 quent or rare among our people. 



IDENTIFICATION OF THIARA GRANIFERA AND CLOSELY 

 RESEMBLING SPECIES IN THE UNITED STATES 



In addition to a snail of similar appearance, which is native to 

 Florida springs, there are two species of thiarid snails sometimes 

 found in aquaria that are likely to be confused with Thiara granifera. 

 Pleurocera (or C erifhasiaf) catenaria (Say) is found in the same 

 habitat as T. granifera at Lithia Spring, but rarely succeeds in an 

 aquarium. Hemisinus cuhanianus (Orbigny), from Cuba, and 

 Pachychilus glaphyrus (Morelet), from Central America (Honduras), 

 have been raised by fish fanciers with moderate success. The synopses 

 of distinguishing characters presented herewith will aid in identify- 

 ing these species. 



THIARA (TAREBIA) GRANIFERA (Lamarck) 



FiQUBE 45, a ; Plate 8, Figxjbes 1, 2 



At Lithia Spring: Shell 10 to 15 mm. (about 14 inch) in length, 

 amber to reddish amber, rarely with green algal attachments. Sides 

 of whorls in spire flat, without strong spiral cords. 



In aquaria : Shell sometimes 20 mm. in length, and if in stagnant 

 tank, heavily varnished with black coating. Animal with young in 

 brood pouch under skin of back ; mantle edge with tiny, fleshy fingers 

 or papillae. Operculum with nucleus at one end. 



PLEUROCERA CATENARIA (Say) 



FiGTJKE 45, c; Plate 8, Figures 3, 4 



Shell 15 to 20 mm. (about % inch) in length, amber brown to black- 

 brown, often with green algal attachments. Sides of whorls in spire 

 slightly rounded and carinate near the bottom, with strong spiral 

 cords, which form well-developed tubercles as they cross the small 

 axial ribs. Often with dark brown, spiral color band at base of shell. 

 Mantle of animal wavy, but without papillae. No brood pouch. 

 Operculum with nucleus near center. 



