The Raillietascaris varani (Baylis et Daubney, 1922), parasitic in the Indian monitor lizard, Varanus monitor (L.), was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A surface topography of the worm, especially the head and male tail, were described, illustrated and discussed with regard to the available data on this species, and also other species of ascaridoid nematodes. The present study confirms the previous observations from Sprent (1985), and also provides some additional information concerning the microtopography of the worm which might be useful in comparative studies on the Ascaridoidea.

Department of Zoology University of Kalyani West Bengal India