THE EGG AND FIRST-STAGE LARVA OF DESMIDOCERCELLA NUMIDICA (SEURAT, 1920) WITH REMARKS ON THE AFFINITIES OF THE DESMIDOCERCIDAE

Mature females of Desmidocercella numidica (Seurat, 1920) have been found in a great blue heron (Ardea herodius) captured in Algonquin Park on May 30, 1955. As far as can be determined, this represents the first discovery of mature females of this species. The egg and first-stage larva are described and the affinities of the Desmidocercidae are considered in the light of these new data. In particular, the numerous resemblances of the desmidocercids to the Aproctinae and the Tetracheilonematinae are pointed out.