Subclass Aspidogastrea
*General Characteristics
-these are internal parasites (endoparasites) of molluscs.
-life cycle may involve one or two hosts.
-the final host (fish or turtle) is a vertebrate hat ingests the molluscs.
-life cycle may involve one or two hosts.
-the final host (fish or turtle) is a vertebrate hat ingests the molluscs.
*The Opisthapor
-a large, oval holdfast organ that covers the entire ventral surface of the animal.
-has ridges or septa that subdivides the opisthaptor.
-has ridges or septa that subdivides the opisthaptor.