Family DIPYLIDIIDAE Stiles, 1896
Introduction
The family Dipylidiidae consists of three genera, Dipylidium Leukart, 1863, Diplopylidium Beddard, 1913 and Joyeuxiella Fuhrmann, 1935 that are parasitic in the intestines of canids, felids and viverrids (Jones 1994). The family is characterised by a rostellum bearing several rows of hooks, paired genitalia, and the uterus degenerating into capsules surrounding clusters of eggs (Jones 1994).
The family is represented in Australia by a single species, Dipylidium caninum Leukart, 1863, which is introduced and is a common and important parasite of dogs and cats. Its intermediate hosts are fleas of the genus Ctenocephalides Stiles & Collins, 1930. Rarely it is found as a human parasite.
General References
Jones, A. 1994. Family Dipylidiidae Stiles, 1986. pp. 555-558 in Khalil, L.F., Jones, A. & Bray, R.A. (eds). Keys to the Cestode Parasites of Vertebrates. Wallingford, UK : Commonwealth Agriculture Bureaux International 751 pp.