Early third-stage larvae of Gnathostoma hispidum in cyclops. Surface topography revealed by scanning electron microscopy.

Surface structures of the early third-stage larvae were examined by scanning electron microscopy. There were hemispherical head-bulbs at the apical ends. These bulbs could be clearly distinguished from the bodies. The head-bulbs (52 X 29 micron) had four transverse rows of sharp hooklets. The number of hooklets in each row was 37, 36, 38, and 43, posteriorly. The larvae posessed a pair of lateral lips in the head-bulb. Each of the lips had two labial papillae and an amphid between the papillae. Small unidentate cuticular spines were present along the entire length of larvae on their transverse striations. The number of these cuticular striations was 175-217. A pair of cervical papillae and an excretory pore were present on the anterior part of the body. Another pair of papillae was detected laterally on the posterior one-third of the body. The shape of the posterior body papillae resembled that of cervical papillae. The cuticular spines were absent around the anus.