Each schistosome cercaria swims "independently" to the definitive host. As
far as I know (and I'm no expert in this area), the males and females do not
"pair up" until they have reached the liver (i.e., immediately before
entering the portal circulation).
--
Dr. Peter W. Pappas
Professor, Department of EEOB
The Ohio State University
1735 Neil Avenue
Columbus, OH 43210
Phone 614-292-2746
FAX 614-292-2030
pappas.3 at osu.edu
Pat Spangler <pspangle at worldnet.att.net> wrote in message
news:7tbqup$4mv$1 at nnrp1.deja.com...
>>> In the last few weeks I have become intimately acquainted with
> Trichobiharzia ocellata - hundreds of them (i.e., I have Swimmer's
> Itch). When I examine extrusions from the pustules on my legs and arms
> under a microscope, I notice that each male T.o. is accompanied by 4-6
> females.
>> Question: Does the male schistosome carry his whole harem in his
> gynecophoral canal during his trip from snail to warm-blooded host, or
> do they swim separately and joing up after he has penetrated the host?
>>> Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/> Before you buy.
