Mammomonogamus - Morphology

Morphology

The most distinct feature of M. laryngeus is the “Y” shape that is formed when the male is joined to the female in copula. The smaller male uses its posterior bursa to attach to the female vulva located on the side near the middle of the female worm. The adult worms usually remain permanently joined in this “Y” formation as they settle on the mucosal epithelium of the larynx, trachea, or bronchi.

Adult M. laryngeus worms are red to reddish-brown in color due to their hemophagous nature. They possess spicules ranging from 23-30μm in length and cup-shaped buccal capsules (mouth) that open at the anterior end. Located deep in the buccal cavity are 8 to 10 teeth that are not thought to be used for attachment.

The adult male is about half the length of the female. Case reports have found male worms ranging from 3-6.3mm in length and 360-380μm in width. The larger females were reported to be 8.7-23.5mm long and 550-570μm wide. Females also have a pointed posterior end with long or short tails. The female while in copula lays many ellipsoid-shaped eggs that are about 40 x 80μm in size, non-operculated, and usually possess thicker shells than hookworm eggs.