Experimental investigations on the host range of Sarcocystis podarcicolubris

Abstract Lizards experimentally infected with S. podarcicolubris sarcocysts were fed to different species of the family Colubridae. Only species of the genus Coluber proved to be suitable definitive hosts and passed sporocysts in their feces. No sporo- cysts were shed by the species of the genus Elaphe , Coronella and Malpolon that were tested. Fecal sporocysts from different species of the genus Coluber were orally administered to numerous lizards of the genera Lacerta , Podarcis and Algyroides . In all experimental lizards, except the controls, sarcocysts of S. podarcicolubris developed.