Male schistosomes have a long groove down the ventral surface which is used
to grasp the female. They copulate in the liver and stay like that for 3-5
years!!
Anne :o)
Dr. Peter W. Pappas <pappas.3 at osu.edu> wrote in message
news:7tco67$cik$1 at charm.magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu...
> 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.
>>
