Analysis of the Infection of the Dice Snake Natrix tessellata (Laurenti, 1768) and the Grass Snake Natrix natrix (L., 1758) (Reptilia: Colubridae) with Telorchis assula (Dujardin, 1845) (Digenea: Telorchiidae) in Ukraine
Journal: Acta Zoologica Bulgarica
Year: 2026

The distribution of the trematode Telorchis assula occurrence in the dice snake (Natrix tessellata) and the grass snake (Natrix natrix) across Ukraine was analysed using material collected between 1951 and 2025. Significant differences in prevalence and mean abundance were found among regional groups. In total, 41.8% of Natrix spp. were found to be infected with T. assula. The highest prevalence was recorded in the northern part of Ukraine, which may be associated with a higher density of Planor