Leucochloridium 5555M

Description:

Description: A flatworm (Platyhelminthes, Trematoda) of the genus Leucochloridium parasiting a snail of the familly Succineidae (probably Succinea putris or an Oxyloma sp.). The banded pulsating structure visible within the tentacles of the snails are the sporocysts's broodsacs filled of cercariae. The cercariae need to be ingested by a bird to develop up to adult stage in the digestive system of the bird. The change in color and aspect (pulsations) of the snail increases the probability to be eaten by a bird. Locallity : Belgium, Jambes, Réserve Naturelle de la Poudrière Aggressive mimicry, parasite. Date: 10 June 2012, 18:54:16. Source: Own work. Author: Gilles San Martin.