Longidoroidea (Thorne, 1935) n. rank. (Nematoda: Dorylaimina) with description of Xiphinema americanum n.sp. from India and proposal of a new name for X. americanum sensu Carvalho (1956) non Cobb, 1913

Abstract

Longidorid nematodes are characterized by having a long and attenuated spear (odontostyle) and a long spear-extension (odontophore) which may have plain or flanged base. This type of feeding apparatus makes them a distinct group in the suborder Dorylaimina (de Man, 1876) Pears, 1936, but also makes it difficult readily to accomodate them in the superfamily Dorylaimoidea (de Man, 1876) Thorne, 1934. We, therefore, consider them to represent a distinct superfamily group and hence, the family Longidoridae (Thorne, 1935) Meyl, 1960, is upgraded to superfamilial rank, and its two subfamilies become families. Diagnosis of Longidoroidea and its two families are appended below.