Scanning electron microscope observations ofAporocotyle simplex Odhner, 1900 (Digenea: Sanguinicolidae)

There are six rows of minute, tegumental spines on the most anterior tip ofAporocotyle simplex. This area of the body which, especially in small specimens, is similar to a sucker, is the area earlier observed protruding as a snout in some living flukes, and the observations indicate that it functions as an attachment organ. Occasional cilium-like structures and different types of bulbs, with or without apical cilium-like structures, all presumed to be sensory receptors, are found on different parts of the body.