ABSTRACT
Fecal samples of ten hedgehogs, Hemiechinus auritus from Taiz Governorate, Yemen were examined for coccidian parasites. Four [40%] were infected with Eimeria spp. Comparison of oocyst's criteria with other species of Eimeria indicated a new eimerian, E. yeminii n.sp. besides the previously described species, E. auriti Mirza, 1970 reported in Iraq. Oocysts of E. yeminii n.sp. are ovoidal to ellipsoidal, measuring 30x24.5 micro m [27-36x20-28]. The outer boundary is bilayered with a light reddish colour and perforated by a micro-pyle. Oocyst residuum and polar granules are present. Sporocysts are spherical in shape 10 x7.5 micro m [11-12.2x10-11.2] with granular residuum and Stieda body. Sporozoites are elongate, lying length-wise to the sporocyst long axis. Sporulation takes place within 3-4 days at - 26°C. E. auriti Mirza, 1970 is characterized by subspherical oocysts measuring 20 x 17 [22-26x16-19.5] micro m, a micropyle and oocyst residuum. The oocyst wall is bilayered, smooth and greenish in colour. Sporocysts are subspherical, measuring 9.0x8.3 [8.5-1 x7.5-8] micro m with granular residuum and Stieda body. Fully sporulated oocysts are observed within 48 h at - 26°C