Trematode cercariae

Some platyhelminthes, notably the trematodes (flukes) and the cestodes, are extremely specialised parasites with fascinating life-cycles. This video illustrates just how complex the life-cycle of a trematode is. Via numerous developmental stages a single egg can produce enormous numbers of infective cercariae that develop into the adult trematode in the definitive host. The stages shown in this video were dissected from a periwinkle (Littorina saxatalis).

Footage courtesy of Ross Piper

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