Skrjabingylus nasicola (Nematoda) in skulls of Mustela erminea and Mustela nivalis (Mammalia) from the Netherlands

The occurrence of the skull parasite Skrjabingylus nasicola (Leuckart, 1842) in Stoats and Weasels from the Netherlands has been studied extensively. A redescription is given of certain morphological characters of the parasite, which includes the discovery of hitherto unknown peribuccal papillae. The genus Skrjabingylus is discussed. The extent of infection and the damage caused by the parasite in Stoats and Weasels has been assessed by studying collections of preserved skulls. Detailed comparisons are made between the infection percentages in both species of mustelids in different areas of the Netherlands and in different European countries. Also the relation between infection and age and sex has been studied. In the discussion an attempt is made to explain at least some of the observed differences in extent of infection in the studied material.