Which parasite is an arthropod?

Which parasite is an arthropod?

• A. Otodectes cynotis
• B. Dirofilaria immitis
• C. Dipylidium caninum
• D. Fasciola hepatica

Answer: (A)

Otodectes cynotis is the parasite that fits as an arthropod. Arthropods are characterized by an exoskeleton, a segmented body, and jointed appendages. Mites, like this ear mite, are arachnids, a subgroup of arthropods, and adults typically have eight legs. The other parasites listed are not arthropods: Dirofilaria immitis is a nematode (roundworm), Dipylidium caninum is a cestode (tapeworm), and Fasciola hepatica is a trematode (fluke). These are helminths without jointed limbs or an exoskeleton, so they do not belong to the arthropod group.

Otodectes cynotis is the parasite that fits as an arthropod. Arthropods are characterized by an exoskeleton, a segmented body, and jointed appendages. Mites, like this ear mite, are arachnids, a subgroup of arthropods, and adults typically have eight legs. The other parasites listed are not arthropods: Dirofilaria immitis is a nematode (roundworm), Dipylidium caninum is a cestode (tapeworm), and Fasciola hepatica is a trematode (fluke). These are helminths without jointed limbs or an exoskeleton, so they do not belong to the arthropod group.