Our observations show that the globule clusters in
D. latum are loosely packed and embedded in electron lucent matrix.
In addition to D. latum and the most basal cestodes, i.e. amphilinideans
and gyrocotylideans, such arrangement of shell globules is
present in some members of basal eucestodes, i.e., Spathebothriidea,
Caryophyllidea and Bothriocephalidea. In contrast,
tightly packed electron dense globules embedded in a matrix of moderate
density have been illustrated in three other caryophyllideans studied
. This character is also visualized in two spathebothriideans
studied. Both types of clusters are reported in Atractolytocestus
huronensis, a caryophyllidean cestode with parthenogenetic type
of reproduction. Moreover, variations in the number, size and arrangement of shell globules within the clusters have been
observed.