Parachordatortilis n. g. (Nematoda: Spirurida: Acuariidae), with a redescription of P.mathevossianae (Petrov & Chertkova, 1950) n. comb., a parasite of Falco tinnunculus L. (Aves: Falconiformes)

Parachordatortilis n. g. is proposed as a monotypic genus for Parachordatortilis mathevossianae (Petrov & Chertkova, 1950) n. comb. (Spirurida, Acuariidae), previously Dispharynx mathevossianae Petrov & Chertkova, 1950. The new genus can be distinguished from all other acuariid genera by having cordons with a sinistral torsion. Parachordatortilis possesses cordons consisting of two rows of delicate cuticular plates delimiting a longitudinal canal. This pattern of cordon structure suggests that Parachordatortilis is closely related to Dispharynx Railliet, Henry & Sisoff, 1912, Synhimantus Railliet, Henry & Sisoff, 1912 and Chordatortilis Machado de Mendon?a & Olivera de Rodrigues, 1985. P. mathevossianae is redescribed on the basis of light and scanning electron microscopical observations of specimens collected from a common kestrel Falco tinnunculus L. in southern Italy.     

Redescription, generic allocation and synonymy of Decorataria magnilabiata (Molin, 1860) n. comb. (Nematoda: Spirurida: Acuariidae), a parasite of the roseate spoonbill Platalea ajaja L. (Aves: Threskiornithidae) in South America

Decorataria magnilabiata (Molin, 1860) n. comb. is proposed for Dispharagus magnilabiatus Molin, 1860 [= Acuaria (Cheilospirura) magnilabiata (Molin, 1860) Railliet, Henry & Sisoff, 1912; Cheilospirura magnilabiata (Molin, 1860) Stiles & Hassall, 1920; Dispharynx magnilabiata (Molin, 1860) Gendre, 1920] (Nematoda, Spirurida, Acuariidae), a parasite of the roseate spoonbill Platalea ajaja L. (Ciconiiformes, Threskiornithidae) known from Brazil, France (bird in captivity), Argentina and Cuba. The species is redescribed and illustrated on the basis of the type-series (from Brazil) in the Helminthological Collection of the Naturhistorisches Museum, Vienna. Syncuaria diacantha Petter, 1961 [= Decorataria diacantha (P.) Skryabin, Sobolev & Ivashkin, 1965], originally described from Platalea ajaja in France (bird in captivity), is recognised as a junior synonym of Decorataria magnilabiata (new synonymy).     

Etude morphologique de Austroxyuris finlaysoni (Oxyuridae,Nematoda), parasite de Petauroides volans (Petauridae,Marsupiala)

Résumé Austroxyuris finlaysoni Johnston & Mawson, 1938, un oxyure parasite du caecum et du gros intestin d'un marsupial pétauridé australien, Petauroides volans Kerr, est redécrit à partir d'un matériel nouveau. Les caractéristiques du genre Austroxyuris Johnston & Mawson, 1938 sont ensuite discutées. Ces oxyures pratiquent de manière facultative une forme d'insémination traumatique que l'on peut considérer comme relativement primitive.

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Austroxyuris finlaysoni Johnston & Mawson, 1938, a pinworm parasite of an Australian marsupial, Petauroides volans Kerr, is redescribed. Morphological study of this species reveals: (i) the presence of very specialized oesophageal teeth in both sexes, (ii) the presence of an area rugosa and of a differentiated caudal bursa in the males, and (iii) the presence of a vagina vera modified into a spermatic pouch used during traumatic insemination. The morphological and biological characteristics of the genus Austroxyuris Johnston & Mawson, 1938 are discussed. The members of this genus occasionally use a form of traumatic insemination which can be considered relatively primitive.

     

A morphological and electrophoretic study of Rugopharynx zeta (Johnston & Mawson, 1939) (Nematoda: Strongyloidea), with the description of a new species,R. mawsonae,from the black-striped wallaby Macropus dorsalis (Marsupialia: Macropodidae)

Rugopharynx zeta (Johnston & Mawson) (Nematoda: Strongyloidea) is redescribed from the rock wallabies Petrogale penicillata penicillata, P. p. herberti, P. inornata and P. assimilis from Queensland and New South Wales, Australia. Specimens formerly assigned to this nematode taxon from the wallabies Macropus dorsalis and M. parma are treated as a new species, R. mawsonae. R. mawsonae n. sp. differs from R. zeta in the shape of the dorsal ray, length of spicules, morphology of spicule tip, length of female tail and position of deirid. The morphological differences are supported by electrophoretic data. R. zeta and R. mawsonae n. sp. had fixed genetic differences at 45.0% of the 21 enzyme loci examined, while each differed at 38.1% and 45.0% of loci respectively from the morphologically distinct R. delta (Johnston & Mawson). The known host and geographical distributions of R. zeta and R. mawsonae n. sp. are reviewed.     

Invalidation of the genus Zosteropicola Johnston, 1912 (Cestoda: Paruterinidae: Anonchotaeniinae)

The holotype of Anonchotaenia (Anonchotaenia) clelandi (Johnston, 1912) n. comb. (type-species of Zosteropicola Johnston, 1912) from Zosterops lateralis (Aves: Passeriformes: Zosteropidae) from New South Wales, Australia, is redescribed and figured. Its morphological characteristics correspond fully with the subgenus Anonchotaenia Cohn, 1900: scolex without rostellum and hooks, testes in one transverse row, genital ducts ventral to excretory canals, developing paruterine organ anteroaporal to uterus, vermiform oncospheres, etc. On this basis Zosteropicola is regarded as a junior synonym of the genus Anonchotaenia.     

Parapharyngodon osteopili n.sp. (Pharyngodonidae: Oxyuroidea) and a revision of Parapharyngodon and Thelandros

Summary Parapharyngodon osteopili n.sp. is described from the Cuban treefrog Osteopilus septentrionalis (Hylidae; Anura). Parapharyngodon Chatterji, 1933 and Thelandros Wedl, 1862 are redefined and distinguished on the basis of male and female caudal morphology and egg structure. Parapharyngodon spp. are found in insectivorous reptiles and amphibians whereas Thelandros spp. are essentially parasites of herbivorous and omnivorous reptiles. The following species are transferred to Parapharyngodon from Thelandros and represent new combinations: Parapharyngodon echinatus (Rudolphi, 1819), P. hemidactylus (Patwardhan, 1935), P. khartana (Johnston & Mawson, 1941), P. trachysauri (Johnston & Mawson, 1947), P. californiensis (read & Amrein, 1952), P. meridionalis (chabaud & Brygoo, 1962), P. mabouia (Rao & Hiregaudar, 1962), P. iguanae (Telford, 1965), P. calotis (Johnson, 1966), P. maculatus (Caballero, 1968) and P. garciae (Schmidt & Whittaker, 1975). Thelandros awokoyai (Babero & Okpala, 1962) n.comb., is transferred from Parapharyngodon. P. megaloon (Linstow, 1906) n.comb., P. seurati (Sandground, 1936) Freitas, 1957, P. waltoni (Read & Amrein, 1952) n.comb., P. cameroni (Belle, 1957) n.comb., P. aspiculus Khera, 1961, T. cinctus (Lonstow, 1897) and T. kuntzi Belle, 1957 are considered species inquirendae. ac]19810406     

Five new monogenean species from the gills of Mulloidichthys vanicolensis (Perciformes: Mullidae) off New Caledonia, with the proposal of Volsellituba n. g. and Pennulituba n. g. (Monogenea: Dactylogyridae)

Three species of Volsellituba n. g. and two species of Pennulituba n. g. are described from the gills of the yellowfin goatfish Mulloidichthys vanicolensis (Valenciennes) off New Caledonia (South Pacific). Volsellituba and Pennulituba resemble dactylogyrid genera whose species lack eye-spots and possess tandem or slightly overlapping gonads, a single prostatic reservoir, a male copulatory organ without an accessory piece, a dextroventral non-sclerotised vagina, ventral and dorsal anchor/bar complexes, and hooks with shanks comprising a single slender unit. Volsellituba n. g. is characterised by its species having ventral tegumental folds at the level of the vaginal duct, a male copulatory organ with a subterminal basal opening and a two-piece dorsal bar. The following new species of Volsellituba are described: V. orchidea n. sp. (type-species), V. nabla n. sp. and V. elephantina n. sp. Pennulituba n. g. is distinguished by its species possessing a male copulatory organ with a wing-shaped membrane and a dorsal bar with a poorly to non-sclerotised medial part. This genus includes P. piratifalx n. sp. (type-species) and P. cymansis n. sp. A tabular summary of the species of Haliotrema Johnston & Tiegs, 1922 reported from mullids is provided.     

A revision of Hexacanalis Perrenoud, 1931 (Cestoda: Lecanicephalidea) and description of H. folifer n. sp. from the zonetail butterfly ray Gymnura zonura (Bleeker) (Rajiformes: Gymnuridae)

Hexacanalis Perrenoud, 1931 was erected for H. abruptus (Southwell, 1911) Perrenoud, 1931 based on the presence of six excretory vessels, a unique feature among the Lecanicephalidea. The genus has since been considered a junior synonym of Cephalobothrium Shipley & Hornell, 1906 or Lecanicephalum Linton, 1890, or as a genus inquirendum. Based on examination of the syntype series of H. abruptus, this species is redescribed and a lectotype designated. Examination of cestodes from the zonetail butterfly ray Gymnura zonura (Bleeker) from off Indonesian Borneo resulted in the discovery of a second species. Hexacanalis folifer n. sp. is unique among lecanicephalideans in its possession of an ovary that is U-shaped in cross-section and craspedote proglottids with prominent posterior dorso-ventral processes in the form of large lappets. The presence of six excretory vessels, confirmed in both species, supports the validity of Hexacanalis. An additional species, H. pteroplateae (Zaidi & Khan, 1976) n. comb., also from a butterfly ray, G. micrura (Bloch & Schneider) [as Pteroplatea micrura (Bloch & Schneider)], is transferred to this genus from Cephalobothrium Shipley & Hornell, 1906. A revised diagnosis of Hexacanalis is presented. Seven species of this genus remain species inquirendae. Hexacanalis appears to parasitise species of the Gymnuridae van Hasselt; however, specific identifications of the hosts are in need of re-evaluation. A summary of the cestode parasites of the Gymnuridae is presented.     

Systematic status of Laurotravassoxyuris bravoae Osorio-Sarabia, 1984 (Nematoda: Pharyngodonidae) [= Atractis bravoae (Osorio-Sarabia, 1984) n. comb.: Cosmocercidae]

Re-examination of type-specimens of the nematode Laurotravassoxyuris bravoae Osorio-Sarabia, 1984, originating from the type-host, Cichlasoma istlanum Jordan et Snyder, from Mexico, has shown that these do not belong to Oxyuroidea Cobbold, 1864; in fact, the specimens included in the type-series of L. bravoae belong to two different families of the Cosmocercoidea Railliet, 1916: the Atractidae Railliet, 1917 and the Cosmocercidae Railliet, 1916. Both forms are described. Since the holotype of L. bravoae belongs to the former family, this species is transferred to Atractis Dujardin, 1845 as A. bravoae (Osorio-Sarabia, 1984) n. comb., whereas the female nematodes, belonging to the latter family, cannot be explicitly assigned to a genus or a species (although they might be conspecific with Raillietnema kritscheri Moravec, Salgado-Maldonado & Pineda-López, 1993). A. bravoae is the first species of Atractis reported from fishes; its morphology differs distinctly from that in other congeners.     

Redescription of Monhystrella parvella (Filipjev) comb.n. (Nematoda, Monhysteridae)

The type of material of Monhystrella parvella (Filipjev, 1931) comb.n. from Abyssinia (Ethiopia) is redescribed and figured in detail. Data on the genital system and the ontogeny of this species are given. Monhystera filiformis sensu Gerlach, 1951 nec Bastian, 1865 of the Black Sea at Pomorie (Bulgaria) is synonymised with M. parvella . The Black Sea specimens have a shorter pharynx, a longer tail and differ also from the Abyssinian specimens in the shape of the tail and the spinneret outlet.     

Opecoelidae (Digenea) from western Mediterranean fishes: three rare species

Three little-known opecoelid digeneans from marine fishes off Corsica, France, are redescribed and their relationships discussed. Plagioporus novella Maillard & Lambert, 1978 from Conger conger is transferred to Podocotyle as P. novella (Maillard & Lambert, 1978) n. comb. The new combinations Podocotyle tohei (Yamaguti, 1970) and P. congeri (Yamaguti, 1970) are formed for species originally assigned to Plagioporus. Podocotyle temensis Fischthal & Thomas, 1970 from Epinephelus guaza is redescribed and compared with the other Podocotyle species reported from the Mediterranean. A third species, Pseudopecoeloides chloroscombri (Fischthal & Thomas, 1970) n. comb. (was Podocotyloides), is redescribed from three Trachurus species and a key to the species of this Pseudopecoeloides is given.     

The reptilian filarioid genus Foleyella Seurat, 1917 (Onchocercidae: Dirofilariinae) and its relationship to other dirofilariine genera

Summary The type species of Foleyella, i.e. F. candezei (Fraipont, 1882), and F. furcata (Linstow, 1899) are redescribed and an emended diagnosis of the genus is given. Among dirofilariine genera, Foleyella is closest to Pelecitus Railliet & Henry, 1910, which contains numerous parasites of birds and also two species in mammals which appear to have been derived from those in birds. Species in Foleyella and Pelecitus have numerous adult characters in common. Microfilariae of Foleyella species are, however, generally short with a loose sheath, while those of Pelecitus are long with a sheath approximately the same width as the anterior two-thirds of the microfilarial body. ac]19851223     

A revision of the Haploporinae Nicoll, 1914 (Digenea: Haploporidae) from mullets (Mugilidae): <Emphasis Type="Italic">Saccocoelium</Emphasis> Looss, 1902

Saccocoelium Looss, 1902 is revised and a key to its recognised species is presented. S. obesum Looss, 1902 (type-species) and S. tensum Looss, 1902 are redescribed based on material from Liza spp. (Pisces: Mugilidae) in Spanish Mediterranean and, in the case of the former, Bulgarian Black Sea waters. Two new species, S. cephali n. sp. and S. currani n. sp., are described from Mugil cephalus L. in Spanish Mediterranean waters. S. gohari Ramadan, Saoud, Ashour & Mansour, 1989b is recognised and commented upon. Lecithobotrys helmymohamedi Ramadan, Saoud, Ashour & Mansour, 1989a, S. portsaidensis El-Shahawi, El-Gindy, Imam & Al-Bassel, 1992, S. saoudi El-Shahawi, El-Gindy, Imam & Al-Bassel, 1992, Neosaccocoelium aegyptiacus El-Shahawi, El-Gindy, Imam & Al-Bassel, 1992 are considered to be synonyms of S. tensum and Neosaccocoelium El-Shahawi, El-Gindy, Imam & Al-Bassel, 1992 a synonym of Saccocoelium. S. obesum, S. tensum and the two new species are compared morphometrically and distinguished by univariate and multivariate analyses. Lecithobotrys mugilis Rekharani & Madhavi, 1985 is transferred to Unisaccus Martin, 1973 as U. mugilis (Rekharani & Madhavi, 1985) n. comb., and Lecithobotrys sprenti Martin, 1973 [=  Saccocoelium sprenti (Martin, 1973) Overstreet & Curran, 2005] is transferred to Unisaccus as U. sprenti (Martin, 1973) n. comb. S. megasacculum Liu, Wang, Peng, Yu & Yang, 2004 is transferred to Elliptobursa Wu, Lu & Zhu, 1996 as E. megasacculum (Liu, Wang, Peng, Yu & Yang, 2004) n. comb. S. tripathi Dutta, 1995 (syn. Saccocoelium tripathi Datta & Manna, 1998) is considered to be a species inquirenda.

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Revision of the amphiamerican Neotetraonchus Bravo-Hollis, 1968 (Monogenoidea: Dactylogyridae), with a description of N. vegrandis n. sp. from the gill lamellae of the blue sea catfish Ariopsis guatemalensis (Siluriformes: Ariidae) off the Pacific Coast of Mexico

Neotetraonchus Bravo-Hollis, 1968 is revised and reassigned to the Dactylogyridae Bychowsky, 1933 based on examinations of specimens representing four species from the gill lamellae of sea catfishes (Ariidae). The monotypic Neotetraonchidae Bravo-Hollis, 1968 is placed in synonymy with the Dactylogyridae. Neotetraonchus bychowskyi Bravo-Hollis, 1968 (type-species), is redescribed from the tete sea catfish Ariopsis seemanni (Günther) (type-host) in the eastern Pacific Ocean off Panama (new geographical record). Neotetraonchus vegrandis n. sp. is described from the blue sea catfish A. guatemalensis (Günther) off the Pacific Coast of Mexico. Neotetraonchus bravohollisae Paperna, 1977 is redescribed from the hardhead sea catfish A. felis (L.) in the Gulf of Mexico off the Yucatan Peninsula. Neotetraonchus felis (Hargis, 1955) Paperna, 1977 is redescribed from A. felis in the Gulf of Mexico off Mississippi and the Yucatan Peninsula (new geographical record). Morphological similarities between species of Neotetraonchus suggest the likely presence of geminate species pairs flanking the Isthmus of Panama.

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A redescription of the marine hypotrichous ciliate, Nothoholosticha fasciola (Kahl, 1932) nov. gen., nov. comb. (Ciliophora: Urostylida) with brief notes on its cellular reorganization and SS rRNA gene sequence

The morphology and infraciliature of the marine hypotrichous ciliate Nothoholosticha fasciola (Kahl, 1932) nov. gen., nov. comb., isolated from mariculture waters near Qingdao, China, are redescribed based on live and protargol-impregnated specimens. Features reported for the first time include the possession of more than 50 macronuclear nodules and details of the infraciliature, i.e. 50–60 adoral membranelles, shortened paroral and endoral membranes, six frontal, one buccal and two to seven transverse cirri, ca. 40 pairs of midventral cirri, ca. 60–120 left and 70–120 right marginal cirri, three dorsal kineties, caudal and frontoterminal cirri absent. In addition, brief details of two stages of cellular reorganization in N. fasciola are supplied and comparisons with some related urostylids based on SS rRNA gene sequence data are reported. The new genus Nothoholosticha is established based primarily on the absence of frontoterminal cirri, which distinctly separates it from similar urostylid genera. Anteholosticha longissima is transferred to Nothoholosticha as N. longissima (Dragesco and Dragesco-Kernéis, 1986) nov. comb. and Holosticha antarctica is transferred to Pseudokeronopsis as P. antarctica (Wilbert and Song, 2008) nov. comb.     

Species-specific PCR discrimination of species of the calanoid copepod Pseudocalanus, P. acuspes and P. elongatus, in the Baltic and North Seas

Two species of the calanoid copepod Pseudocalanus, P. acuspes and P. elongatus, have been reported from the Baltic and North Seas. Morphometric analysis based on Frost (Can J Zool 67:525–551, 1989) did not identify the species in samples collected during the German GLOBEC program; the majority of measurements fell outside reported ranges for Baltic and North Sea specimens. A multiplexed species-specific PCR (SS-PCR) protocol was designed from a ~700 bp sequence of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (mtCOI), with primers designed to amplify regions of different sizes for the two species to allow detection by gel electrophoresis. The accuracy and reliability of the multiplexed SS-PCR reaction was confirmed by sequencing the mtCOI region. Preliminary SS-PCR analysis of geographic distributions of the two species indicated that P. acuspes occurred exclusively at sampling sites in the Baltic Sea, whereas P. elongatus was found in the southern North Sea and at one site in the Baltic. The SS-PCR protocol can be used for routine identification of the two species for studies of population, community and ecosystem dynamics.