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Table 22 Key to the Haemoproteus species of Psittaciformes birds

From: Keys to the avian Haemoproteus parasites (Haemosporida, Haemoproteidae)

Step

Features and species

1 (4)

Fully grown gametocytes are circumnuclear; they markedly enclose the nuclei of infected erythrocytes with their ends and finally can completely encircle the nuclei (Fig. 23a–c). The average number of pigment granules in gametocytes is greater than 15

2 (3)

Elongate (rod-like) pigment granules present and often predominate in advanced and fully grown gametocytes (Fig. 23a)

 

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H. handai (Fig. 23a, b) [3, 123, 124]

3 (2)

Elongate (rod-like) pigment granules are rare, they do not predominate in advanced and fully grown gametocytes. Roundish or slightly oval pigment granules predominate (Fig. 23c)

 

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H. homohandai (Fig. 23c) [125]

4 (1)

Fully grown gametocytes are halteridial, they do not encircle the nucleus of infected erythrocytes completely (Fig. 23d, e). The average number of pigment granules in gametocytes is less than 15

 

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H. psittaci (Fig. 23d, e) [3, 126]