Published online by Cambridge University Press: 06 April 2009
In this study we examined the influence of salinity and temperature on egg development and miracidial emergence of the digenean, Himasthla militaris. In the range 2·1 to 34‰ salinity the eggs developed normally (i.e. no significant difference in the percentage embryonation), and miracidial emergence was only markedly inhibited in water with a salinity of 34‰. At 12 °C embryonation ceased; at 20 and 30 °C egg development as well as miracidial emergence occurred, but at 20 °C both processes progressed at a slower rate than at 30 °C.