Abstract

The study on trematode larvae found in Egyptian molluscs was initiated by the pioneering work of Sonsino in 1892 and Looss in 1896. Since then tens of cercariae and some digenean life cycles have been reported in the country. Unfortunately, only fragmentary publications are available for identification of cercariae present in the country. In addition, some of such publications may not be accessible to some researchers, as they are either theses or published in old volumes of non-international journals. The present work was carried out with the aim of preserving our heritage through reviewing the different types of cercariae known from the Egyptian inland water snails. We provide a survey based on literature. Major types of cercariae known to exist in the country are covered. They are presented as regards description, development, taxa, importance and snail hosts. This review can be used as a field guide for identification of cercariae colonising the Egyptian inland water snails.

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