Acanthocephalans ( Eoacanthocephala: Neoechinorhynchida: Neoechinorhynchidae ) of Common Snapping Turtles ( Chelydra serpentina ) from Arkansas and Oklahoma, with Observations on Host Suitability

Abstract

Eighteen common snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina) were collected from Arkansas (n= 5) and Oklahoma (n= 13) and examined for acanthocephalans. Three (17%) were found to harborinfections, including one from Arkansas with aNeoechinorhynchussp., and two from OklahomawithNeoechinorhynchus emyditoidesFisher, 1960. We document one of the few instances ofC.serpentinaharboring acanthocephalans and discuss host suitability.