Eimeria zapi sp. n. from the Meadow Jumping Mouse, Zapus hudsonius Zimmerman in Southwestern Michigan

Four of 5 meadow jumping mice (Zapus hudsonius) captured had in their feces a previously undescribed species of Eimeria which is named Eimeria zapi sp. n. The sporulated oocysts measured 21.7 (19.5-24.0) x 20.3 (17.5-23.0) micrometer. The single-layered oocyst wall was 1.5 micrometer thick, rough, pitted and appeared clear-to-amber. Usually 2 polar granules could be seen. An oocyst residuum was not observed. Each sporocyst averaged 16.0 (12.5-18.0) x 9.7 (7.5-11.5)micrometer. A substiedal body was present. The sporocyst residuum consisted of a membrane-enclosed packet of 15 to 20 granules. This is the first species of Eimeria to be described from the genus Zapus.