Original title: A new species of Serpinema Yeh (1960) (Nematoda: Camallanidae) in a captive false map turtle, Graptemys pseudogeographica pseudogeographica (Gray, 1831) (Testudines: Emydidae), in Portugal
João T Cruz, Adrian Cruz, Vanessa Carvalho, Carla Maia +3 · September 2026
Pet animals can bring unknown parasites into new parts of the world. Researchers examined a sick pet false map turtle brought to an animal clinic in Lisbon, Portugal. They looked closely at parasitic roundworms found inside the turtle. They studied the worms under microscopes and checked their DNA. The researchers found a brand new parasite species, named Serpinema pseudogeographicum n. sp. It has a one-of-a-kind layout of tiny body bumps called papillae, unequal mating spikes, and a distinct lobed flap on the female. Its genetic sequences confirmed it is a distinct, separate species. This discovery shows that trading exotic pets can introduce foreign parasites to new areas. It also proves routine vet visits are great opportunities to discover hidden wildlife species.
Imagine you are a detective trying to identify a suspect by counting the number of buttons on their coat. Normally, you would look at the coat and count. But suppose the coat has a unique pattern of buttons that no other suspect has. In this paper, the researchers counted the bumps on the worm's tail and found a pattern that no other known worm has, which helped them identify it as a new species.
This discovery shows that exotic pets can carry unknown parasites into new countries. It also shows that routine veterinary care can uncover hidden biodiversity. Understanding these parasites helps protect both animal and human health.
The study is based on a single specimen from one host, so the variation within the species is unknown. The molecular analysis uses only two gene fragments, which may not fully resolve relationships. The worm's life cycle and potential impact on turtle health are not addressed.
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A new species of Serpinema Yeh (1960) (Nematoda: Camallanidae) in a captive false map turtle, Graptemys pseudogeographica pseudogeographica (Gray, 1831) (Testudines: Emydidae), in Portugal — João T Cruz, Adrian Cruz, Vanessa Carvalho et al. — International journal for parasitology. Parasites and wildlife — doi:10.1016/j.ijppaw.2026.101286
Abstract licence: CC BY
Explanation generated by Synthesis from the abstract — it is not the original paper.