Experimental Methods: Trematodes

Abstract

Snails collected from the places frequented by frogs are likely to be parasitised by larval stages of amphibian trematodes. The quickest way to determine if the snails are infected is to dissect a sample of the population and look for the larval stages. As this destroys the snails, and usually makes the material useless for experimental purposes, a more satisfactory way is to attempt to stimulate release of cercariae from the snails.