Three new species of the genus Axonchium Cobb, 1920 (Nematoda: Dorylaimida) from New Zealand

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.