Fig. 31

Morphological features of gametocytes, which are used for identification of Haemoproteus species parasitizing passeriform birds (suborder Passeri) of the families Alaudidae, Cisticolidae, Melanocharitidae, Paridae birds. Macrogametocytes of H. wenyoni (a), H. majoris (b, c), H. alaudae (d), H. parus (e, f), H. calandrellae (g), H. nucleophilus (h, i). Note that the growing gametocyte of H. majoris assume dumbbell-like shape (c). Fully grown gametocytes of H. parus are roundish in form (e, f). Macrogametocyte nucleus assume median positions and adheres to the infected erythrocyte nucleus (g) in H. calandrellae. Fully grown gametocytes are closely appressed to the nuclei of erythrocytes but do not touch the envelope of the erythrocytes along their entire margin (h, i) in H. nucleophilus. Image h is from the type material, which is fading, resulting in pale staining and the poorly recognizable pigment granules and nucleus, however the overall form of the gametocyte is readily visible. Long simple arrows—host cell nuclei. Short simple arrows—parasite nuclei. Simple arrowheads—pigment granules. Simple wide long arrows—spaces between gametocytes and envelope of infected erythrocytes. Other explanations are given in the text