Fig. 21

Morphological features of gametocytes, which are used for identification of Haemoproteus species parasitizing Pelecaniformes birds. Macrogametocytes (a, b, d–i) and microgametocytes (c) Haemoproteus plataleae (a–c), H. pelouroi (d–f) and H. herodiadis (g–i). Note the pleomorphic form of fully grown gametocytes of H. plataleae (a–c). Gametocyte outline is predominantly markedly irregular in H. pelouroi (d–f), but is smooth in H. herodiadis (g–i). Images d–f are from the type material, which is fading, resulting in pale staining and the poorly recognizable pigment granules and nuclei, however the overall form of the gametocytes is readily visible. Long simple arrows—host cell nuclei. Short simple arrows—parasite nuclei. Simple arrowheads—pigment granules. Other explanations are given in the text