This unique book offers a comprehensive guide to the fascinating world of polystomatid flatworms. It introduces the reader to the individual life histories of polystomes and the chronological advances in our knowledge, with descriptions of species discovered over the past centuries. It equips newcomers to the field with basic protocols and techniques for collecting, processing and interpreting material. It also presents the history of research on this group of parasites, provides information on the discovery of each polystome and acknowledges the authors that have made major contributions. For the established researcher in the field, it offers a reference book containing taxonomic data, measurements and drawings of all known polystomes. The authors have brought together all the available material, creating a resource that will stimulate research and revive the global focus on this unique group of parasites. Thus, this work provides an essential reference for both established researchers and newcomers to the field.
Louis H. du Preez is a professor of Zoology at North-West University in Potchefstroom, South Africa and heads the African Amphibian Conservation Research Group. He holds a PhD in amphibian parasitology and his research interests include parasites, diseases and conservation of amphibians and freshwater turtles with a special focus on polystomatid flatworms. Willem Johannes Landman is a microscopy specialist and herpetology collections manager at the North-West University in Potchefstroom, South Africa. He holds a MSc in parasitology and his research interests include microscopy, parasitology with a particular focus on polystomatid flatworms, and taxonomic illustrations. Olivier Verneau is a professor of biology at the University of Perpignan. He holds a PhD in host (fish) - parasite (tapeworms) coevolution. His research interests include biogeography, taxonomy, systematics and evolution of hosts and their parasites. He worked extensively on the herpetofauna of France with a special focus on the threatened Mediterranean turtle Mauremys leprosa.
