Trematodes (flukes or digeneans) are by far the most abundant group of parasitic flatworms (Neodermata), and their importance for human and animal health is indisputable. In addition, they exhibit a variety of unique adaptations to parasitism and, probably most remarkably, possess extraordinarily complicated life-cycles. Classification of trematodes represents a very difficult task due to the huge number of existing species and variety of morphological forms, sites of infection within invertebrate and vertebrate hosts and ability to infect a wide spectrum of animals. Therefore, identification of any trematode may represent a problem even for an experienced specialist. This is the reason why I appreciated so much the publication of the first volume of the Keys to the Trematoda in 2002.
