| Ribeiroia ondatrae | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Platyhelminthes |
| Class: | Trematoda |
| Order: | Echinostomida |
| Family: | Cathaemasiidae |
| Genus: | Ribeiroia |
| Species: | R. ondatrae |
| Binomial name | |
| Ribeiroia ondatrae Looss, 1907 |
|
Ribeiroia ondatrae is a parasite in the genus Ribeiroia, class Trematoda, Phylum Platyhelminthes, believed to be responsible for many of the recent increases in amphibian limb malformations, particularly missing, malformed, and extra hind legs. The exact mechanism of deformation has not been determined but it has been theorized that deformation results from mechanical disruption of the cells involved in limb bud formation during the amphibian larval stage.
First intermediate host are rams horn (Planorbidae) snails. Second intermediate host are fish and larval amphibians including frogs and salamanders. Inside of amphibians, cercariae are attracted to region where hind limbs are formed and large numbers of metacercariae encyst near base of the hind legs. Definitive host are predators such as hawks, herons, ducks, and badgers.
The abundance of the teratogenic trematode Ribeiroia ondatre has been found to increase in eutrophic (nutrient rich) waters.