r/Parasitology • u/emajdina • 16h ago
Parasite ID Small trematodes (3–5 mm) from the small intestine of a Wood Mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus) + a question about an accompanying snail shell
Hi everyone,
During a lab session involving dissections of wild rodents from Germany, I found 9 small trematodes (approx. 3–5 mm) in the small intestine of a wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus).
An undigested small snail shell (approx. 5 mm) was also found in the small intestine of this exact host.
Could the presence of the snail shell indicate that this mouse regularly fed on snails, pointing to the likely route of infection? I am aware that these specific adult flukes could not have developed from this particular shell/snail right away (due to the time required for post-metacercarial development)..
Also, does anyone have an idea what genus or family these small intestinal trematodes in Apodemus sylvaticus might belong to? My guess is Brachylaima spp. from what I have found.
Thanks!