Three new species of the genus Axonchium Cobb, 1920 (Nematoda: Dorylaimida) from New Zealand
Authors
T. Naz
W. Ahmad
M. S. Jairajpuri
Abstract
Three new species of the genus Axonchium Cobb, 1920 are described and illustrated from New Zealand. Axonchium sturhani sp. n. is characterized by having 1.7-2.1 mm long body; continuous lip region; labial amphid with duplex fovea; 13.5-14.5 μm long odontostyle; short isthmus separating two parts of pharynx; very small anterior uterine sac and short hemispheroid tail. Axonchium parassaculum sp. n. is characterized by having 2.2-2.4 mm long body; continuous lip region; 11-12 μm long odontostyle; anterior slender part of pharynx with almost indistinct constriction between two parts of pharynx; anterior uterine branch completely absent and short conoid tail with rounded terminus. Axonchium zealandicum sp. n. is characterized by having 2.7-2.8 mm long body, 13.5 μm long odontostyle; isthmus-like constriction between two parts of pharynx; strong vaginal sclerotization and a crescent-shaped disc between pars proximalis and pars refringens vaginae; anterior uterine sac with rudimentary ovarial mass; male with massive spicules and ten spaced ventromedian supplements. A diagnostic compendium of Axonchium species with vaginal sclerotization is provided.