Systematics Physaloptera is a genus of parasitic nematodes in the family Physalopteridae. Species include: Physaloptera dilatata Physaloptera dispar Physaloptera hispida Physaloptera losseni Physaloptera maxillaris Physaloptera murisbrasiliensis Physaloptera ngoci Physaloptera preputialis Physaloptera retusa Physaloptera rara Undescribed or unidentified species have been found on the hispid cotton rat (Sigmodon hispidus) in the southern United States, the marsh rice rat (Oryzomys palustris) in Florida, and Leontopithecus rosalia, Physalaemus soaresi, Cacajao calvus, and Lagothrix lagotricha in Brazil. Physaloptera spp. as human parasites Most species utilize insects such as crickets, cockroaches, and beetles as intermediate hosts. Several species of Physaloptera can be parasites of primates and man. This rare disease is known as spiruridiasis. Human infection is considered to be ancient; eggs of Physaloptera sp. were found in a grave of the Bronze Age in Iran. References Literature cited Kinsella, J.M. 1988. Comparison of helminths of rice rats, Oryzomys palustris, from freshwater and saltwater marshes in Florida. Proceedings of the Helminthological Society of Washington 55(2):275–280. Spirurida