TitleX-ray microcomputed tomography reveals putative trematode metacercaria in a 100 million year-old lizard (Squamata: Agamidae)
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2017
AuthorsPoinar, G, Philbrick, KA, Cohn, MJ, Turner, RT, Iwaniec, UT, Wunderlich, J
JournalCretaceous Research
Volume80
Pagination27 - 30
Date Published01/2017
ISSN01956671
Abstract

Highlights

  • Mid-Cretaceous lizard.
  • Trematode metacercaria.
  • Myanmar amber.
  • X-ray microcomputed tomography.

 

X-ray microcomputed tomography was used to reveal putative trematode metacercariae (Platyhelminthes: Digenea) located in cysts positioned at the base of the femora in a 100 myr agamid lizard preserved in Myanmar amber. The cysts are characterized and compared with encysted metacercariae recovered from a similar location in an extant Anolis lizard. This discovery provides evidence that lizards were serving as intermediate hosts of trematodes some 100 Ma.
DOI10.1016/j.cretres.2017.07.017
Short TitleCretaceous Research