Developmental cycle of Rubenstrema exasperatum (Rudolphi, 1819) (Trematoda: Omphalometridae).

The developmental cycle of the trematode Rubenstrema exasperatum (Rudolphi, 1819), a common parasite of insectivores of the family Soricidae, is described here for the first time. The first intermediate host in nature is the snail Planorbarius corneus. Metacercariae encysted experimentally in larvae of the mosquito Culex molestus; exceptionally, these were found encysted in daughter sporocysts. Adult specimens of R. exasperatum were found after experimental infections in the hamster Mesocricetus auratus. Daughter sporocysts, cercariae, metacercariae and adults are described in detail.