An immature polymorphid acanthocephalan from a European hedgehog (Erinaceidae) from New Zealand

During an examination of the acanthocephalan fauna of the European hedgehog, Erinaceus europaeus Linneaus, from Auckland, New Zealand a single late stage acanthella of a putative species of Polymorphus (Polymorphidae) was found. The proboscis armature of the species differed from all congeners thus far described. The infection appeared to be an occasional infection of the hedgehog by a polymorphid whose normal definitive host has yet to be determined, but may be a native New Zealand bird.