taxonID	type	description	language	source
12539345FFE426325EEFFE53FC121D60.taxon	description	(Figs. 2, 4 – 6)	en	Haukisalmi, Voitto, Elmahy, Rasha A. (2025): Taxonomic review of Skrjabinotaenia Akhumyan, Meggittina Lynsdale and Gerbillitaenia gen. nov. (Cestoda: Catenotaeniidae), parasites of rodents. Zootaxa 5590 (2): 185-208, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5590.2.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5590.2.2
12539345FFE426325EEFFE53FC121D60.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis: Strobila of varying shape and size, from longitudinally elongate and relatively long to transversely elongate and short. Proglottids usually few but more numerous in type species. Scolex gradually merging with neck region or embedded in strobila. Neck (unsegmented region) short or absent. Proglottids acraspedote, of varying shape; terminal gravid proglottid deeply divided along midline in subgenus Meggittina. Lateral proglottid margins convex. Genital pores irregularly alternating in short series or (appearing as) unilateral in species with few proglottids, positioned near anterior margin of proglottid; genital atrium indistinct. Longitudinal osmoregulatory canals numerous, anastomosing, in type species forming complex ventral and dorsal plexus; transverse canals absent. In type species, lateral genital ducts run between plexuses. Testes numerous, appearing as two widely separate lateral groups extending throughout proglottid in antero-posterior plane (absent in region occupied by lateral genital ducts). Cirrus sac slender, curved, usually poorly delimited from vas deferens. Vas deferens sinuous or slightly coiled distally. Distinct internal and external seminal vesicles absent. Ovary median, extensive, flabelliform, with several long branches pointing posteriorly and postero-laterally (but not anteriorly); prominent unbranched “ antero-poral lobe ” extending anterior to median lobe of vitellarium. Vitellarium poral, elongate in transverse plane, slightly curved; bilobed, poral lobe usually more prominent than median one. Longitudinal axis of vitellarium inclined posteriorly with respect to longitudinal axis of proglottid (inclination may be obscure in subgenus Meggittina). Vagina long and slender, usually distinctly longer than cirrus sac, of uniform width, slightly curved, opening posterior or postero-ventral to cirrus sac. Large ovoid or spherical seminal receptacle present. Uterus first appears as transverse band or tube near anterior margin of mature proglottids. Developed uterus with short longitudinal trunk in anterior part of proglottid and few long, furcating branches forming two groups divided in midline of proglottid. Eggs small, ovoid or elongate, with delicate wall; embryophore elongate. In murid (Murinae, Gerbillinae and Deomyinae) and nesomyid (Nesomyinae and Cricetomyinae) rodents.	en	Haukisalmi, Voitto, Elmahy, Rasha A. (2025): Taxonomic review of Skrjabinotaenia Akhumyan, Meggittina Lynsdale and Gerbillitaenia gen. nov. (Cestoda: Catenotaeniidae), parasites of rodents. Zootaxa 5590 (2): 185-208, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5590.2.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5590.2.2
12539345FFE426325EEFFE53FC121D60.taxon	type_taxon	Type species: S. oranensis (Joyeux & Foley, 1930) Akhumyan, 1946.	en	Haukisalmi, Voitto, Elmahy, Rasha A. (2025): Taxonomic review of Skrjabinotaenia Akhumyan, Meggittina Lynsdale and Gerbillitaenia gen. nov. (Cestoda: Catenotaeniidae), parasites of rodents. Zootaxa 5590 (2): 185-208, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5590.2.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5590.2.2
12539345FFE426325EEFFE53FC121D60.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The genus Skrjabinotaenia in the present sense (hereafter sensu stricto, “ s. s. ”) is confined to species with a widely divided testicular field in two fairly narrow lateral groups, a characteristically fan-shaped ovary without anterior branches and with a prominent, unbranched antero-poral lobe, and a uterus with a short longitudinal anterior trunk and a small number of long primary branches, which form two groups divided along the midline of the proglottid. The structure of the ovary in the species with a strongly reduced, transversely elongate strobila (subgenus Meggittina) has not been adequately described but it is shown here to be qualitatively similar to the ovary of S. oranensis (below). Compared with Skrjabinotaenia s. s., the genera Spasskijela (sometimes with a partly divided testicular field) and Neoskrjabinotaenia Bilqees, 1982 have a longer strobila with more numerous proglottids, an ovary of different structure (anterior lobules present, antero-poral lobe absent) and a uterus with a longer trunk and more numerous, relatively short branches (Figs. 2, 3). In addition, the longitudinal axis of the vitellarium in the latter genera is inclined anteriorly with respect to the longitudinal axis of the proglottid (posteriorly in Skrjabinotaenia s. s.). The above features also differentiate Skrjabinotaenia sensu lato (“ s. l. ”) capensis (Ortlepp, 1940) (with a divided testicular field), Skrjabinotaenia (s. l.) indica (Parihar & Nama, 1977) and the undescribed species of Skrjabinotaenia s. l. in subclade “ A ” from Skrjabinotaenia s. s. (Figs. 1 – 3). Morphologic differences between Skrjabinotaenia and Gerbillitaenia gen. nov., both with a widely divided testicular field, will be described in the Remarks section for the latter genus.	en	Haukisalmi, Voitto, Elmahy, Rasha A. (2025): Taxonomic review of Skrjabinotaenia Akhumyan, Meggittina Lynsdale and Gerbillitaenia gen. nov. (Cestoda: Catenotaeniidae), parasites of rodents. Zootaxa 5590 (2): 185-208, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5590.2.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5590.2.2
12539345FFE5263E5EEFF967FB721BD4.taxon	description	(Figs. 2 A, 4; Table 2) Synonyms: Catenotaenia oranensis Joyeux & Foley, 1930, Meggittina numida Jrijer & Neifar, 2014.	en	Haukisalmi, Voitto, Elmahy, Rasha A. (2025): Taxonomic review of Skrjabinotaenia Akhumyan, Meggittina Lynsdale and Gerbillitaenia gen. nov. (Cestoda: Catenotaeniidae), parasites of rodents. Zootaxa 5590 (2): 185-208, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5590.2.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5590.2.2
12539345FFE5263E5EEFF967FB721BD4.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined: Syntypes of S. oranensis (MHNG 44896 – 44898, fragments of five specimens) from Meriones shawi (Duvernoy) (Gerbillinae) from Mascara, Département d’Oran, Algeria, and two voucher specimens of M. numida from the same host species from Mezzouna, Tunisia. Deposited voucher specimen: FMNH: KN. 7144 (slide) from M. shawi from Tunisia. Deposited DNA sequence: GenBank: MG 050043 (nuclear 28 S gene) (Haukisalmi et al. 2018).	en	Haukisalmi, Voitto, Elmahy, Rasha A. (2025): Taxonomic review of Skrjabinotaenia Akhumyan, Meggittina Lynsdale and Gerbillitaenia gen. nov. (Cestoda: Catenotaeniidae), parasites of rodents. Zootaxa 5590 (2): 185-208, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5590.2.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5590.2.2
12539345FFE5263E5EEFF967FB721BD4.taxon	description	Description: The measurements and counts provided by Joyeux & Foley (1930) and Jrijer & Neifar (2014) are shown in Table 2. Length of strobila 15 – 20 mm (n = 3), maximum width 3.1 – 4.6 mm (n = 4), attained in pregravid or gravid proglottids. Number of proglottids 10 – 14 (n = 4). Anterior end of strobila tapering, widening gradually. Scolex not distinctly separate from neck region. Neck (unsegmented region) short or absent. Suckers 125 – 173 (n = 14) in diameter, divided by longitudinal groove or in contact with each other. Proglottids acraspedote; lateral margins convex, margins between proglottids first slightly convex, then becoming concave and sometimes partly slit medially in terminal proglottids. Proglottids from immature to postmature stage slightly wider than long, shape of pregravid proglottids variable and gravid proglottids distinctly longer than wide. Dimensions of mature proglottids: length 0.7 – 1.5 mm (n = 3), width 1.3 – 2.1 mm (n = 3) and length / width ratio 0.37 – 0.77 (n = 3); dimensions of fully gravid (detached) proglottids: length 3.2 – 4.2 mm (n = 2), width 1.3 – 2.3 mm (n = 2) and length / width ratio 1.8 – 2.5 (n = 2). Osmoregulatory system consists of multiple, narrow, anastomosing longitudinal canals forming ventral and dorsal plexus; lateral genital ducts run between plexuses. Two to three canals from each side of strobila join in scolex. Genitalia single. Genital pores either regularly alternating or irregularly alternating in short series, positioned near anterior margin of proglottid. Genital atrium narrow and shallow. Testes numerous, ca. 230 (n = 2) in total number, appearing as two widely separate lateral groups; number of poral and antiporal testes 106 – 113 (n = 2) and 118 – 125 (n = 2), respectively. Cirrus sac slender, 220 – 400 (n = 4) long and 30 – 70 (n = 4) wide in distal part, slightly curved, with delicate wall; distal part of sperm duct (ductus cirri) sinuous or convoluted, proximal part slightly expanded but distinct internal seminal vesicle absent. No armature observed in ductus cirri or on everted cirri. Distal part of vas deference coiled forming two to four loops; looped region covered by loose, poorly stained cell layer; external seminal vesicle absent. Ovary median, large, 617 – 1015 (n = 2) wide and 714 – 1010 (n = 2) long, flabelliform, with several long lobules pointing mainly posteriorly; prominent unbranched antero-poral lobe extends anterior to vitellarium, sometimes overlapping Mehlis’ gland. Vitellarium poral, elongate, 265 – 480 (n = 2) wide and 214 – 280 (n = 2) long, slightly curved, usually bilobed, median end reaching near midline of proglottid. Mehlis’ gland spherical or ovoid, positioned anterior to middle part of vitellarium. Longitudinal axis of vitellarium inclined posteriorly with respect to longitudinal axis of proglottid. Vagina 430 - 500 (n = 2) long and 25 - 30 (n = 2) wide, distinctly longer than cirrus sac, of uniform width, slightly curved, opening posterior or postero-ventral to cirrus sac. Seminal receptacle ovoid, 107 – 320 (n = 3) in larger diameter. Uterus appears initially as wide, transverse band or tube anterior to ovary, with few narrow branches pointing postero-laterally. Fully developed uterus consisting of short anterior trunk with distinct anterior appendage, one to three primary branches and several long secondary branches pointing posteriorly and postero-laterally; branches disintegrate partly in terminal gravid proglottids. Eggs small, with delicate wall, evidently ovoid or elongate (shape of unfixed eggs and embryophores unknown).	en	Haukisalmi, Voitto, Elmahy, Rasha A. (2025): Taxonomic review of Skrjabinotaenia Akhumyan, Meggittina Lynsdale and Gerbillitaenia gen. nov. (Cestoda: Catenotaeniidae), parasites of rodents. Zootaxa 5590 (2): 185-208, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5590.2.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5590.2.2
12539345FFE5263E5EEFF967FB721BD4.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Meggittina numida is morphologically indistinguishable from the type material of S. oranensis (Joyeux & Foley 1930) (Fig. 4), and therefore the synonymy suggested by Haukisalmi et al. (2018) is confirmed here. Skrjabinotaenia oranensis of Joyeux et al. (1951), Wolfgang (1956) and Elmahy (2022) is shown here to be actually S. psammomi, a species assigned to a new genus as its type and only species (below). Skrjabinotaenia oranensis is a parasite of gerbils (Muridae: Gerbillinae) in North Africa (Algeria, Tunisia).	en	Haukisalmi, Voitto, Elmahy, Rasha A. (2025): Taxonomic review of Skrjabinotaenia Akhumyan, Meggittina Lynsdale and Gerbillitaenia gen. nov. (Cestoda: Catenotaeniidae), parasites of rodents. Zootaxa 5590 (2): 185-208, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5590.2.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5590.2.2
12539345FFE9263E5EEFFBFFFCB91F04.taxon	description	(Figs. 5, 6)	en	Haukisalmi, Voitto, Elmahy, Rasha A. (2025): Taxonomic review of Skrjabinotaenia Akhumyan, Meggittina Lynsdale and Gerbillitaenia gen. nov. (Cestoda: Catenotaeniidae), parasites of rodents. Zootaxa 5590 (2): 185-208, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5590.2.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5590.2.2
12539345FFE9263E5EEFFBFFFCB91F04.taxon	type_taxon	Type species: Skrjabinotaenia (Meggittina) baeri Lynsdale, 1953.	en	Haukisalmi, Voitto, Elmahy, Rasha A. (2025): Taxonomic review of Skrjabinotaenia Akhumyan, Meggittina Lynsdale and Gerbillitaenia gen. nov. (Cestoda: Catenotaeniidae), parasites of rodents. Zootaxa 5590 (2): 185-208, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5590.2.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5590.2.2
12539345FFE9263E5EEFFBFFFCB91F04.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Meggittina has previously been considered a valid genus (Lynsdale 1953; Tenora et al. 1980; Quentin 1994) or a subgenus of Catenotaenia Janicki, 1904 (see Tenora 1959). The main morphologic differences between the subgenus Meggittina and the nominotypical subgenus concern the size and shape of the strobila and the structure of the uterus. In Meggittina, the strobila consists of a few proglottids and is either transversely elongate and deeply divided or slightly longitudinally elongate with a transversely elongate gravid proglottid split along the midline. In both types of strobila, the pregravid and gravid proglottids are significantly wider than the adjacent premature and mature proglottids. In addition, the “ posterior ” primary branch of the uterus is more prominent than the other primary branch (or branches) and its secondary branches are short and mostly directed “ posteriorly ”. In the nominotypical subgenus, the secondary branches are of roughly equal length and size and directed posteriorly and postero-laterally. The members of the subgenus Meggittina are parasites of murid (Murinae) and nesomyid (Nesomyinae and Cricetomyinae) rodents; there are no records of them in gerbils (Gerbillinae). They have a wide distribution in Africa, the Middle East and Madagascar (Table 1). A morphologically and genetically distinctive, undescribed species of the subgenus Meggittina has been reported from Desmomys harringtoni (Thomas) (Murinae) in Ethiopia (Haukisalmi et al. 2018; V. Haukisalmi & A. Ribas, unpubl.).	en	Haukisalmi, Voitto, Elmahy, Rasha A. (2025): Taxonomic review of Skrjabinotaenia Akhumyan, Meggittina Lynsdale and Gerbillitaenia gen. nov. (Cestoda: Catenotaeniidae), parasites of rodents. Zootaxa 5590 (2): 185-208, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5590.2.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5590.2.2
12539345FFEB263B5EEFF898FDFF1C60.taxon	materials_examined	The syntypes of S. (M.) baeri are deposited in NHM.	en	Haukisalmi, Voitto, Elmahy, Rasha A. (2025): Taxonomic review of Skrjabinotaenia Akhumyan, Meggittina Lynsdale and Gerbillitaenia gen. nov. (Cestoda: Catenotaeniidae), parasites of rodents. Zootaxa 5590 (2): 185-208, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5590.2.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5590.2.2
12539345FFEB263B5EEFF898FDFF1C60.taxon	description	Description: Strobila transversely elongate, consisting of 2 – 3 proglottids. Fully developed strobila usually with one immature proglottid, one premature or mature proglottid and one prominently extended pregravid or gravid proglottid. Fully mature proglottid ca. 9 mm wide. Scolex inconspicuous, embedded in strobila. Diameter of suckers ca. 100. Genital pores evidently regularly alternating, positioned near anterior margin of proglottid. Osmoregulatory system not described. Testes 250 – 350 in number, slightly more numerous on antiporal side, positioned as two widely separate lateral groups. Cirrus sac slender, 290 – 310 long and 40 – 60 wide, slightly curved. Distal vas deferens coiled. External and internal seminal vesicles evidently lacking. Structure of ovary undefined. Vitellarium elongate, very wide, bilobed; lateral lobe significantly larger than median one. Vagina relatively short or ca. 1.3 times length of cirrus sac. Seminal receptacle ovoid or ellipsoidal, divided into two compartments. Uterus with very short anterior stem and distinct anterior appendage, and 2 – 3 primary branches on each side, which give off numerous short secondary branches from “ posterior ” side only. Eggs 20 in diameter, embryophore 8 – 12.	en	Haukisalmi, Voitto, Elmahy, Rasha A. (2025): Taxonomic review of Skrjabinotaenia Akhumyan, Meggittina Lynsdale and Gerbillitaenia gen. nov. (Cestoda: Catenotaeniidae), parasites of rodents. Zootaxa 5590 (2): 185-208, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5590.2.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5590.2.2
12539345FFEB263B5EEFF898FDFF1C60.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The present description is based on the measurements and illustrations of S. (M.) baeri by Lynsdale (1953) from the “ house rat ” and “ native granary rat ” from Honde, eastern Rhodesia (present-day Zimbabwe). The hosts most likely belong to the subfamily Murinae but probably do not include the commensal black rat Rattus rattus Fischer because it is not known to be parasitized by species of Skrjabinotaenia or Meggittina. Although the original description of S. (M.) baeri is fairly extensive, it includes limited quantitative data and the morphology of certain organs was misinterpreted. Specifically, the vitellarium was misidentified as the ovary and the latter was therefore stated to be poral in position, and the median lobe of the vitellarium was mistaken for the “ shell gland ” (i. e. Mehlis’ gland). In addition to the original description from Zimbabwe, S. (M.) baeri - like cestodes have been reported from murine rodents in the Central African Republic (Quentin 1971) and South Africa (Spickett et al. 2017 a, 2019; Haukisalmi et al. 2018), and from nesomyid rodents in Madagascar (Quentin & Durette-Desset 1974; Haukisalmi et al. 2010, 2018) (Table 1). The report of S. (M.) baeri from Cricetomys gambianus Waterhouse (Cricetomyinae) in Nigeria (Ibrahim et al. 1984) probably concerns S. (M.) cricetomydis. Due to the limitations of the original description, a more detailed description of a S. (M.) baeri - like form from South Africa is presented below.	en	Haukisalmi, Voitto, Elmahy, Rasha A. (2025): Taxonomic review of Skrjabinotaenia Akhumyan, Meggittina Lynsdale and Gerbillitaenia gen. nov. (Cestoda: Catenotaeniidae), parasites of rodents. Zootaxa 5590 (2): 185-208, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5590.2.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5590.2.2
12539345FFEC263A5EEFFB26FEFF1C60.taxon	description	(Fig. 5)	en	Haukisalmi, Voitto, Elmahy, Rasha A. (2025): Taxonomic review of Skrjabinotaenia Akhumyan, Meggittina Lynsdale and Gerbillitaenia gen. nov. (Cestoda: Catenotaeniidae), parasites of rodents. Zootaxa 5590 (2): 185-208, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5590.2.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5590.2.2
12539345FFEC263A5EEFFB26FEFF1C60.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined: Five specimens from Rhabdomys pumilio (Sparman) and R. dilectus De Winton (Murinae) from South Africa, reported originally as M. baeri (see Spickett et al. 2017 a; Haukisalmi et al. 2018). For the distribution and prevalence of S. (M.) cf. baeri in South Africa, see Spickett et al. (2019). Deposited voucher specimens: FMNH: KN. 3654, KN. 47856, KN. 47857, KN. 7143 (slides), KN. 3653 (ethanol). Deposited DNA sequences: GenBank: MG 050013 - MG 050015 (nuclear 28 S gene), MG 049964, MG 049965 (mitochondrial 12 S- 16 S region) (Haukisalmi et al. 2018).	en	Haukisalmi, Voitto, Elmahy, Rasha A. (2025): Taxonomic review of Skrjabinotaenia Akhumyan, Meggittina Lynsdale and Gerbillitaenia gen. nov. (Cestoda: Catenotaeniidae), parasites of rodents. Zootaxa 5590 (2): 185-208, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5590.2.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5590.2.2
12539345FFEC263A5EEFFB26FEFF1C60.taxon	description	Description: Strobila transversely elongate, gravid specimens consisting of 3 – 4 proglottids. Length of pregravid strobila 1.2 – 1.6 (n = 4) mm and width up to 14 mm; fully gravid (detached) proglottids 1.9 – 2.0 mm (n = 3) long and 13 – 17 mm wide (n = 3). Lateral proglottid margins convex; margins between proglottids concave. “ Posterior ” margins of pregravid and gravid proglottids slightly fringed. Scolex embedded in anterior strobila, in one case with rudimentary “ apical organ ” (diameter 36). Diameter of suckers 94 – 112 (x ̅ = 104, n = 10). Genital pores regularly alternating, positioned near anterior margin of proglottid. Osmoregulatory system consists of multiple longitudinal narrow anastomosing canals. Testes 170 – 190 (n = 2) in total number, positioned as two widely separate lateral groups. Testes more numerous on antiporal side (110 – 147, x ̅ = 127, n = 5) than on poral side (62 – 98, x ̅ = 77, n = 3). Cirrus sac slender, 142 – 238 (x ̅ = 185, n = 7) long and 32 – 44 (x ̅ = 36, n = 6) wide, slightly curved, sometimes poorly delimited from vas deferens. Distinct internal seminal vesicle absent. Distal vas deferens coiled; external seminal vesicle lacking. Ovary median, massive, 1.4 – 2.0 mm (n = 3) wide, lobulate, slightly branched; consisting of two main lobes; antiporal lobe more extensive than poral one; poral lobe extending to lateral margin of vitellarium and antiporal lobe maximally extending near lateral margin of testicular field; prominent unbranched antero-poral lobe extending anterior to median lobe of vitellarium. Vitellarium elongate, 501 – 707 (x ̅ = 612, n = 5) long and 137 – 263 (x ̅ = 190, n = 5) wide, bilobed; lateral lobe significantly larger than median lobe and usually consisting of 3 – 4 short lateral lobules. Mehlis’ gland spherical, ca. 100 in diameter, positioned between seminal receptacle and antero-poral lobe of ovary, sometimes overlapping latter. Vagina long (425 – 965, x ̅ = 707, n = 7) and slender, of uniform width, curved distally following outline of cirrus sac, opens posterior to male pore; vagina 2.5 – 5.1 (x ̅ = 3.8, n = 7) times longer than cirrus sac. Seminal receptacle ovoid or ellipsoidal, 100 – 186 (x ̅ = 131, n = 8) in larger diameter, positioned slightly medial to midline of vitellarium. Uterus with very short anterior stem and distinct anterior appendage, and 2 – 3 primary branches on each side, which give off numerous short secondary branches primarily from “ posterior ” side. “ Posterior ” primary branch very prominent compared with “ anterior ” primary branch / branches. Eggs elongate (collapsed), 27 – 37 in length; embryophore elongate, 15 – 21 in length and 7 – 11 in width.	en	Haukisalmi, Voitto, Elmahy, Rasha A. (2025): Taxonomic review of Skrjabinotaenia Akhumyan, Meggittina Lynsdale and Gerbillitaenia gen. nov. (Cestoda: Catenotaeniidae), parasites of rodents. Zootaxa 5590 (2): 185-208, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5590.2.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5590.2.2
12539345FFEC263A5EEFFB26FEFF1C60.taxon	discussion	Remarks. The present material appears to resemble closely the type material of S. (M). baeri, but they may be separated by the number of testes (170 – 190 vs. 250 – 350), and absolutely (425 – 965 vs. 390 – 400) and relatively longer vagina (2.5 – 5.1 vs. 1.3 times longer than the cirrus sac) in the present specimens. The absolute length of the vagina, and possibly also the number of testes, may be affected by the size of the proglottid, but the relative length of the vagina should be size-independent and therefore a taxonomically more reliable feature. Conspecificity of four specimens of S. (M). cf. baeri from Rhabdomys spp. and their high genetic divergence with respect to the other lineages in the African clade was confirmed by phylogenetic analyses based on the nuclear (28 S) and mitochondrial (12 S- 16 S) DNA regions (Haukisalmi et al. 2018). Spickett et al. (2019) performed on extensive analysis of helminth parasitism of 13 species of rodents, including murids (Murinae, Gerbillinae) and nesomyids (Cricetomyinae), throughout South Africa, and showed that S. (M). cf. baeri is strictly a parasite of Rhabdomys spp. Although the present specimens show certain morphologic differentiation from S. (M). baeri, the latter has been too poorly described for a reliable separation of these materials. A detailed redescription of the type material of S. (M). baeri would be necessary for a revision of the S. (M.) baeri - like forms, including those from the Central African Republic (Quentin 1971) and Madagascar (Quentin & Durette-Desset 1974, Haukisalmi et al. 2010, 2018) (Table 1).	en	Haukisalmi, Voitto, Elmahy, Rasha A. (2025): Taxonomic review of Skrjabinotaenia Akhumyan, Meggittina Lynsdale and Gerbillitaenia gen. nov. (Cestoda: Catenotaeniidae), parasites of rodents. Zootaxa 5590 (2): 185-208, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5590.2.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5590.2.2
12539345FFED263A5EEFFB2BFCD61E77.taxon	materials_examined	The syntypes of S. (M.) cricetomydis are deposited in NHM.	en	Haukisalmi, Voitto, Elmahy, Rasha A. (2025): Taxonomic review of Skrjabinotaenia Akhumyan, Meggittina Lynsdale and Gerbillitaenia gen. nov. (Cestoda: Catenotaeniidae), parasites of rodents. Zootaxa 5590 (2): 185-208, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5590.2.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5590.2.2
12539345FFED263A5EEFFB2BFCD61E77.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Skrjabinotaenia (M.) cricetomydis, described from Cricetomys gambinanus from Nigeria, is a morphologically unique species within the subgenus Meggittina, particularly with respect to the body form, number of uterine branches and relative length of the cirrus sac and vagina (Hockley 1961). The strobila of this species is transversely elongate but relatively long, and its terminal proglottids, either pregravid or gravid ones, are posteriorly “ expanded ”; detached gravid proglottids attain a convex, semi-circular shape. Other characteristic features of S. (M.) cricetomydis are the relatively long uterine trunk with five primary branches on each side and the exceptionally long and slender cirrus sac (roughly as long as the vagina).	en	Haukisalmi, Voitto, Elmahy, Rasha A. (2025): Taxonomic review of Skrjabinotaenia Akhumyan, Meggittina Lynsdale and Gerbillitaenia gen. nov. (Cestoda: Catenotaeniidae), parasites of rodents. Zootaxa 5590 (2): 185-208, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5590.2.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5590.2.2
12539345FFED26385EEFF95EFEB618C8.taxon	description	(Fig. 6.) Synonyms: Rajotaenia gerbilli Wertheim, 1954, Catenotaenia gerbilli (Wertheim, 1954) Ortlepp, 1962, Meggittina gerbilli (Wertheim, 1954) Tenora, Mas-Coma, Murai & Feliu, 1980, Catenotaenia aegyptica Wolfgang, 1956, Skrjabinotaenia aegyptica (Wolfgang, 1956) Tenora, 1964, Meggittina aegyptica (Wolfgang, 1956) Tenora, Mas-Coma, Murai & Feliu, 1980. The holotype of S. (M.) gerbilli is deposited in HCHU and the paratype in NHM (1955.7.20.95). The holotype of S. (M.) aegyptica is deposited in USNM (1338138).	en	Haukisalmi, Voitto, Elmahy, Rasha A. (2025): Taxonomic review of Skrjabinotaenia Akhumyan, Meggittina Lynsdale and Gerbillitaenia gen. nov. (Cestoda: Catenotaeniidae), parasites of rodents. Zootaxa 5590 (2): 185-208, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5590.2.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5590.2.2
12539345FFED26385EEFF95EFEB618C8.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined: Five specimens from Gerbillus pyramidum Geoffroy and five from Pachyuromys duprasi Lataste (Gerbillinae) from Egypt (see Elmahi 2012 and Elmahy 2022). Because the specimens from the two host species differed with respect to the body size and number of testes, the following description is based on the specimens from G. gerbillus, with some quantitative data for the specimens from P. duprasi shown in brackets. For additional morphometric data, see Elmahi (2012). Deposited voucher specimens (slides): FMNH: KN. 47860 - KN. 47862 from G. pyramidum, KN. 47863 - KN. 47865 from P. duprasi.	en	Haukisalmi, Voitto, Elmahy, Rasha A. (2025): Taxonomic review of Skrjabinotaenia Akhumyan, Meggittina Lynsdale and Gerbillitaenia gen. nov. (Cestoda: Catenotaeniidae), parasites of rodents. Zootaxa 5590 (2): 185-208, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5590.2.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5590.2.2
12539345FFED26385EEFF95EFEB618C8.taxon	description	Description: Fully gravid strobila with four [three] proglottids, length 5.5 mm [1.5 – 1.8 mm]. Anterior part of strobila widens rapidly. Depending on state of contraction, strobila (without gravid proglottid) either elongate or as long as wide, attaining triangular shape in latter case. Terminal gravid proglottid 5 mm [4.5 – 5.5 mm] wide, distinctly wider than previous pregravid proglottid, partly split along midline forming elongate “ wings ”. Lateral proglottid margins convex; margins between proglottids first convex, then straight and finally concave. Scolex dome-shaped, not distinctly separate from neck region. Diameter of suckers 125 – 150 (x ̅ = 135, n = 14) [160 – 185, x ̅ = 168]. Genital pores usually regularly alternating, positioned near anterior margin of proglottid. Testes 138 – 156 (x ̅ = 148, n = 4) [69 – 105, x ̅ = 88] in total number, positioned as two widely separate lateral groups. Testes more numerous on antiporal side (80 – 90, x ̅ = 84, n = 4) [44 – 59, x ̅ = 52] than on poral side (54 – 70, x ̅ = 64, n = 4) [25 – 46, x ̅ = 36]. Cirrus sac slender, 250 – 330 [110] long, slightly curved. Distinct internal and external seminal vesicles absent. Ovary median, massive, 1.3 – 2.1 mm (x ̅ = 1.6 mm, n = 3) [450 – 700] wide, distinctly lobulate and slightly branched, lateral lobules longer than median ones; anterior lobules lacking, prominent unbranched antero-poral lobe extending anterior to median lobe of vitellarium. Vitellarium bilobed, lateral lobe larger than median one; width 630 – 850 (x ̅ = 727, n = 3) [140 – 240, x ̅ = 183). Longitudinal axis of vitellarium inclined posteriorly with respect to longitudinal axis of proglottid (inclination may be obscure in transversely elongate mature proglottids). Vagina slender, slightly curved, of uniform width; length 550 – 770 (n = 2) [230] or 1.8 – 2.3 (x ̅ = 2.1, n = 3) [2.1] times longer than cirrus sac. Seminal receptacle ovoid, larger diameter 140 – 160 (n = 2) [60 – 70]. Uterus in pregravid proglottids with two primary branches, of which posterior one more prominent that anterior one and with multiple short secondary lobules directed “ posteriad ”; anterior appendage of uterus lacking. Eggs deformed.	en	Haukisalmi, Voitto, Elmahy, Rasha A. (2025): Taxonomic review of Skrjabinotaenia Akhumyan, Meggittina Lynsdale and Gerbillitaenia gen. nov. (Cestoda: Catenotaeniidae), parasites of rodents. Zootaxa 5590 (2): 185-208, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5590.2.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5590.2.2
12539345FFED26385EEFF95EFEB618C8.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Skrjabinotaenia (M.) gerbilli has usually a slightly elongate anterior strobila, which differentiates it from the other species in the subgenus Meggittina, the latter with a transversely elongate strobila. However, it is assigned here to Meggittina due to the reduced number of proglottids and the deeply split, somewhat transversely elongate terminal gravid proglottids. The structure of the uterus in S. (M.) gerbilli (massive “ posterior ” primary branch with multiple short secondary branches directed “ posteriorly ”) also affiliates it with the subgenus Meggittina. In the present material, there are evidently two forms of S. (M.) gerbilli - like cestodes occurring in different host species and genera (G. gerbillus, P. duprasi). They are distinguished mainly by the size of the fully gravid strobila and number of testes (Fig. 6). However, Elmahi (2012) did not find significant differences in the body length, diameter of suckers and dimensions of various genital organs between the two collections (the number of testes was not provided). With respect to their general morphology, the two forms resemble S. (M.) gerbilli and S. (M.) aegyptica. Skrjabinotaenia (M.) aegyptica, another species described from gerbils (Gerbillus spp.) in the Middle East, has been considered a junior synonym of S. (M.) gerbilli (see Ortlepp 1962), although the description of the latter species lacks the number of testes and some other measurements. However, due to the overall qualitative similarity of these forms, we agree with the action of Ortlepp (1962). Based on the number of testes, the present type from G. gerbillus is more similar to S. (M.) aegyptica than the one from P. duprasi. Because the present material suggests a possibility that there exist at least two S. (M.) gerbilli - like species, this complex should be revised, ideally utilizing materials from the various genera of gerbils in which this species has been reported (Gerbillus, Meriones Illiger, Pachyuromys, Dipodillus Lataste) (Table 1). Skrjabinotaenia (M.) gerbilli is a parasite of gerbils in North Africa and the Middle East (Table 1), except that it was described from the murid rodents Hybomys univittatus (Peters) (Murinae) and Lophuromys sikapusi (Temminck) (Deomyinae) in the Central African Republic (Quentin 1971). The latter specimens fit in most respects to the original descriptions of S. gerbilli and S. aegyptica but they have distinctive lappets in the margins of the suckers, which are present in all three specimens from two host species illustrated by Quentin (1971). Because this feature appears to be constant and has not been described in other species of Skrjabinotaenia, it is probable that the S. (M.) gerbilli of Quentin (1971) represents a distinct, new species. No voucher specimens were designated by Quentin (1971).	en	Haukisalmi, Voitto, Elmahy, Rasha A. (2025): Taxonomic review of Skrjabinotaenia Akhumyan, Meggittina Lynsdale and Gerbillitaenia gen. nov. (Cestoda: Catenotaeniidae), parasites of rodents. Zootaxa 5590 (2): 185-208, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5590.2.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5590.2.2
12539345FFEF26385EEFFEC3FB281CBD.taxon	etymology	Etymology: “ Gerbillitaenia ” refers to gerbils (Gerbillinae), the hosts of the new genus.	en	Haukisalmi, Voitto, Elmahy, Rasha A. (2025): Taxonomic review of Skrjabinotaenia Akhumyan, Meggittina Lynsdale and Gerbillitaenia gen. nov. (Cestoda: Catenotaeniidae), parasites of rodents. Zootaxa 5590 (2): 185-208, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5590.2.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5590.2.2
12539345FFEF26385EEFFEC3FB281CBD.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis: Strobila longitudinally elongate, with relatively small number of proglottids. Anterior end of strobila blunt, widening rapidly. Scolex not distinctly separate from neck region. Osmoregulatory system consists of multiple narrow, anastomosing longitudinal canals. Genital pores usually regularly alternating, positioned near anterior margin of proglottid. Testes numerous, appearing as two wide lateral groups. Cirrus sac slender, poorly delimited from vas deferens. Distinct internal and external seminal vesicles absent. Ovary median or slightly poral, with lobules pointing in all directions except spaces occupied by lateral genital ducts and anterior uterine trunk. Vitellarium poral, usually transversely elongate and slightly curved, but not distinctly bilobed. Longitudinal axis of vitellarium inclined slightly anteriorly with respect to longitudinal axis of proglottid. Vagina slender, of uniform width, distinctly longer than cirrus sac. Distinct elongate seminal receptacle present. Pregravid uterus with long longitudinal trunk and several bifurcating branches pointing laterally and postero-laterally; posterior branches form prominent fan-shaped group without distinct trunk. In gerbils (Muridae: Gerbillinae). Type and only species: G. psammomi (Mikhail & Fahmy, 1968) n. comb.	en	Haukisalmi, Voitto, Elmahy, Rasha A. (2025): Taxonomic review of Skrjabinotaenia Akhumyan, Meggittina Lynsdale and Gerbillitaenia gen. nov. (Cestoda: Catenotaeniidae), parasites of rodents. Zootaxa 5590 (2): 185-208, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5590.2.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5590.2.2
12539345FFEF26385EEFFEC3FB281CBD.taxon	discussion	Remarks. Gerbillitaenia gen. nov. differs from Skrjabinotaenia s. s. with respect to the shape of the strobila, width of the testicular field and ovary and structure of the ovary and uterus. Compared with the latter genus, Gerbillitaenia gen. nov. has a more prominent anterior strobila, wider testicular fields with more numerous testes, a less extensive ovary with few anterior lobules and without the antero-poral lobe, and a fully developed (pregravid) uterus with a longer trunk with several bifurcating secondary branches and a fan-shaped posterior group of uterine branches. In addition, there appears be a difference in the inclination of the vitellarium (inclined slightly anteriorly in Gerbillitaenia gen. nov., posteriorly in Skrjabinotaenia s. s.). Based on Elmahy (2022), the presence, distribution and structure of two types of cuticular microtriches (filitriches and spinitriches) are different in G. psammomi (as S. oranensis) and S. gerbilli, which provides an additional evidence for the distinction between Gerbillitaenia gen. nov. and Skrjabinotaenia s. s.	en	Haukisalmi, Voitto, Elmahy, Rasha A. (2025): Taxonomic review of Skrjabinotaenia Akhumyan, Meggittina Lynsdale and Gerbillitaenia gen. nov. (Cestoda: Catenotaeniidae), parasites of rodents. Zootaxa 5590 (2): 185-208, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5590.2.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5590.2.2
12539345FFEF26245EEFFB17FF1518C8.taxon	description	(Figs. 2, 7, 8; Table 3) Synonym: Skrjabinotaenia psammomi Mikhail & Fahmy, 1968. No type specimens were designated for G. psammomi.	en	Haukisalmi, Voitto, Elmahy, Rasha A. (2025): Taxonomic review of Skrjabinotaenia Akhumyan, Meggittina Lynsdale and Gerbillitaenia gen. nov. (Cestoda: Catenotaeniidae), parasites of rodents. Zootaxa 5590 (2): 185-208, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5590.2.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5590.2.2
12539345FFEF26245EEFFB17FF1518C8.taxon	materials_examined	Material examined: Three specimens from Psammomys obesus from Egypt (see Elmahi 2012; Elmahy 2022), and four specimens from Meriones shawi from Morocco (MHNG 44899), described and identified by Joyeux et al. (1951) as S. oranensis. Deposited voucher specimens (slides): FMNH: KN. 47858, KN. 47859 from P. obesus.	en	Haukisalmi, Voitto, Elmahy, Rasha A. (2025): Taxonomic review of Skrjabinotaenia Akhumyan, Meggittina Lynsdale and Gerbillitaenia gen. nov. (Cestoda: Catenotaeniidae), parasites of rodents. Zootaxa 5590 (2): 185-208, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5590.2.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5590.2.2
12539345FFEF26245EEFFB17FF1518C8.taxon	description	Description: The present description is based on three pregravid specimens from P. obesus. The measurements and counts provided by Elmahi (2012) and Elmahy (2022) are shown in Table 3. Strobila longitudinally elongate, length of two pregravid specimens 29 – 30 mm; maximum width 2.6 – 4.1 mm, attained at premature proglottids. Number of proglottids 8 – 10. Anterior end of strobila blunt, widening rapidly. Margins between proglottids first convex, then becoming slightly concave. Dimensions of mature proglottids (n = 4): length 1.5 – 2.2 mm, width 2.5 – 4.0 mm and length / width ratio 0.55 – 0.60; dimensions of pregravid / gravid proglottids (n = 4): length 5.7 – 7.6 mm, width 2.1 – 2.8 mm and length / width ratio 2.4 – 2.7. Scolex not distinctly separate from neck region. Suckers 240 – 350 (n = 11) in diameter. Osmoregulatory system consists of multiple narrow, anastomosing longitudinal canals. Genital pores regularly alternating, positioned near anterior margin of proglottid; genital atrium indistinct. Testes 433 – 438 (n = 5) in total number, appearing as two wide lateral groups; number of antiporal testes 233 – 248 (n = 5) and poral testes 190 – 200 (n = 5). Cirrus sac slender, 340 – 519 (n = 5) long and 75 – 105 (n = 5) wide, poorly delimited from vas deferens. Ductus cirri densely lined with fine spines throughout its length. Distal part of vas deferens sometimes slightly coiled. Distinct Internal and external seminal vesicles absent. Ovary median or slightly poral, with numerous lobules pointing laterally and posteriorly and few anteriorly, antero-poral lobe absent; length and width of ovary 1.1 – 1.8 mm (n = 5) and 0.8 – 1.5 mm (n = 5), respectively. Vitellarium poral, more or less transversely elongate, usually slightly curved, but not distinctly bilobed; width 360 – 800 (n = 5) and length 330 – 600 (n = 5). Longitudinal axis of vitellarium inclined slightly anteriorly with respect to longitudinal axis of proglottid. Vagina long (770 – 1350, n = 5) and slender, of uniform width (30 – 40, n = 5), 2.2 – 3.8 times longer than cirrus sac, opening postero-ventral to cirrus sac. Inside of vagina densely lined with fine hairs. Distinct elongate seminal receptacle present; length 190 – 240 (n = 5). Spherical Mehlis’ gland positioned anterior to median part of vitellarium. Fully developed (pregravid) uterus with relatively long trunk and 7 – 8 (n = 8) slightly furcating primary branches on each side pointing laterally and postero-laterally; posterior branches forming prominent fan-like group without distinct trunk.	en	Haukisalmi, Voitto, Elmahy, Rasha A. (2025): Taxonomic review of Skrjabinotaenia Akhumyan, Meggittina Lynsdale and Gerbillitaenia gen. nov. (Cestoda: Catenotaeniidae), parasites of rodents. Zootaxa 5590 (2): 185-208, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5590.2.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5590.2.2
12539345FFEF26245EEFFB17FF1518C8.taxon	discussion	Remarks. In addition to the type material, G. psammomi has been previously described from the type host (P. obesus) from the type region (Egypt) (Elmahi 2012) and from M. shawi from Morocco (Joyeux et al. 1951). The present study includes a reanalysis of the latter materials, both of which were originally identified as S. oranensis (Table 3). There are no significant qualitative or quantitative morphologic differences between the three collections, except that the number of proglottids is slightly smaller in the specimens from Morocco (5 – 9) than in those from Egypt (8 – 17). In the original description (Mikhail & Fahmy 1968), the length of strobila is given as 125 – 320 mm, but considering the number and length of proglottids in these specimens, these figures are evidently too high (perhaps 12.5 – 32.0 mm was intended). The body length given in Joyeux et al. (1951) (60 – 80 mm) is also dubious, because the re-examination of these specimens showed that they are only 15 – 18 mm long. It should be noticed that the apparently lower number of primary uterine branches recorded in this study (6 – 9), compared with the previous studies (9 – 14), is due to the fact the posterior branches forming a fan-shaped group were not counted by us. Considering their substantial overall similarity, we conclude that all three materials represent G. psammomi. The system of osmoregulatory canals in G. psammomi (as S. oranensis) has been illustrated in Quentin (1971).	en	Haukisalmi, Voitto, Elmahy, Rasha A. (2025): Taxonomic review of Skrjabinotaenia Akhumyan, Meggittina Lynsdale and Gerbillitaenia gen. nov. (Cestoda: Catenotaeniidae), parasites of rodents. Zootaxa 5590 (2): 185-208, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5590.2.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5590.2.2
