A NEW SPECIES OF THE GENUS DIASTOLAIMUS AND REDESCRIPTION OF D. MEXICANUS CID DEL PRADO, 2012 (RHABDITIDA: CHAMBERSIELLIDAE) FROM MEXICO

Abstract

A new species, Diastolaimus noffsingeri sp. n., and redescription of D. mexicanus collected from mosses and lichens growing on tree branches in México were morphologically studied using light and electronic microscopy. Molecular characterization of these two Diastolaimus species with the D2-D3 expansion segments of 28S rRNA gene sequences was also conducted. Phylogenetic analysis of sequences of Diastolaimus species and other related nematodes revealed that that genus has a sister relation with the representatives of the genus Geraldius. Molecular analysis showed that 28S rRNA gene sequences of D. mexicanus collected from the type and other locations were different from those of D. grossus. The diagnosis of the genus Diastolaimus was emended.