Internal Morphology and Phylogenetic Position of (Pancrustacea: Rhizocephala), an Enigmatic Parasitic Barnacle.

is an enigmatic parasitic barnacle from the family Mycetomorphidae, known for its unclear phylogenetic position within Rhizocephala. Specimens of were collected from infected shrimps near the South Kuril Islands. Detailed morphological studies were conducted using histological techniques and scanning electron microscopy, and 18S rDNA sequences were used to resolve the phylogenetic position of within Rhizocephala.

Tricks of the puppet masters: morphological adaptations to the interaction with nervous system underlying host manipulation by rhizocephalan barnacle .

Background: Rhizocephalan interaction with their decapod hosts is a superb example of host manipulation. These parasites are able to alter the host's physiology and behavior. Host-parasite interaction is performed, presumably, special modified rootlets invading the ventral ganglions.

Functional role of lacunar and muscular systems in the externa of Peltogasterella gracilis (Cirripedia: Rhizocephala).

One of the most conspicuous traits of parasitic organisms is a well-developed reproductive system. In Rhizocephala ("Crustacea": Cirripedia) it is believed to be nested in the externa-a "reproductive part" located outside of the host. However, it is not clear how nutrients are transported to the externa.

Cancer spares no one: First record of neoplasm in parasitic barnacles (Arthropoda: Rhizocephala).

Cancer-like neoplasms are extremely rarely present in arthropods, particularly in crustaceans. Thus, it is assumed that these animals have some efficient cancer-preventing mechanisms. However, several cases of cancer-like neoplasms are described in crustaceans, though only for the Decapoda.

The interna of the rhizocephalan Peltogaster reticulata: Comparative morphology and ultrastructure.

Specialized morphology of diverse parasitic crustaceans reflects their adaptations to an endoparasitic lifestyle. Rhizocephalan barnacles are one of the most highly modified obligatory parasites of other crustaceans. Comprehension of the functional morphology of rhizocephalans could elucidate the main evolutionary trends not only inside parasitic barnacles, but in parasitism as a whole.

Specialised rootlets of Sacculina pilosella (Rhizocephala: Sacculinidae) used for interactions with its host's nervous system.

Parasitic rhizocephalan barnacles induce morphological, physiological, and behavioural changes in their hosts. The mechanisms of these intimate host-parasite interactions remain unknown. We have shown previously that rootlets of the internae of Peltogasterella gracilis and Peltogaster paguri penetrate the ganglion's envelope of their hermit crab hosts and form specialised structures in the ganglion periphery, the so-called goblet-shaped organs.