Life history strategies of Cotylurus spp. Szidat, 1928 (Trematoda, Strigeidae) in the molecular era – Evolutionary consequences and implications for taxonomy

Species of Cotylurus Szidat, 1928 (Diplostomoidea: Strigeidae) are highly specialized digeneans that parasitize the gastrointestinal tract and bursa of Fabricius of water and wading birds. They have a three-host life cycle; the role of first intermediate host is played by pulmonate snails, while a wide range of water snails (both pulmonate and prosobranch) and leeches are reported as second intermediate hosts.