Attachment and detachment of the anterior adhesive pads of the monogenean (platyhelminth) parasite Entobdella soleae from the skin of the common sole (Solea solea).

By preserving specimens of the monogenean (platyhelminth) parasite Entobdella soleae at intervals during locomotion and processing these parasites for transmission and scanning electron microscopy, evidence was found to suggest that adhesion of the anterior pads to the skin of the host, the sole Solea solea, is brought about by interaction between the two kinds of glandular secretion supplied to the pads. It is suggested that the specialised pad tegument through which the gland cell ducts pass may be instrumental in severing the adhesive bond by dissolving the cement immediately adjacent to this tegumental surface.