and Novyella). The monophyly of the Bennettinia, Haemamoeba and Huffia subgenera was subsequently confirmed by molecular studies. The other two genera were found to be paraphytic. The genera were then revised and a new subgenus - Papernaia - was created. Species with mammalian hosts Laverania Species in this subgenus infect higher primates (including man) and have characteristic sickle shaped female gametocytes. The type species is Plasmodium falciparum. Plasmodium Species infecting higher primates other than those in the subgenus Laverania are placed in the subgenus Plasmodium. The type species is Plasmodium malariae. Vinckeia Parasites infecting other mammals including lower primates (lemurs and others) are classified in the subgenus Vinckeia. The type species is Plasmodium bubalis. Species with avian hosts Bennettinia Schizonts contain scant cytoplasm, are often round, do not exceed the size of the host nucleus and stick to it. Gametocytes, while varying in shape tend to be round or oval, do not exceed the size of the nucleus and stick to it. The type species is Plasmodium juxtanucleare. Giovannolaia Schizonts contain plentiful cytoplasm, are larger than the host cell nucleus and frequently displace it. They are found only in mature erythrocytes. Gametocytes are elongated. Exoerythrocytic schizogony occurs in the mononuclear phagocyte system. The type species is Plasmodium circumflexum. Haemamoeba Mature schizonts are larger than the host cell nucleus and commonly displace it. Gametocytes are large, round, oval or irregular in shape and are substantially larger than the host nucleus. The type species is Plasmodium relictum. Huffia Mature schizonts, while varying in shape and size, contain plentiful cytoplasm and are commonly found in immature erythryocytes. Gametocytes are elongated. The type species is Plasmodium elongatum. Novyella Mature schizonts are either smaller than or only slightly larger than the host nucleus. They contain scanty cytoplasm. Gametocytes are elongated. Sexual stages in this subgenus resemble those of Haemoproteus. A white/blue globule is present in the cytoplasm. Exoerythrocytic schizogony occurs in the mononuclear phagocyte system The type species is Plasmodium vaughani. Papernaia The gametocytes are elongated. The schizonts apically or lateroapically placed and are rounded or irregularly shaped. The host nucleus may be tilted. The type species is Plasmodium polare Species with reptilian hosts Although over 3200 species of lizard have been identified as hosts to Plasmodium species, only 29 species of snakes have been. All snake infecting species are placed into the subgenus Ophidiella. Asiamoeba The schizonts and gametocytes are greatly disparate in size