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Scanning electron microscopy and intraspecific variation in Euchordodes nigromaculatus from New Zealand

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 June 2009

A. Schmidt-Rhaesa*
Affiliation:
Department of Biology, University of South Florida, 4202 East Fowler Avenue, LIF 136, Tampa, FL 33620-5150, USA
F. Thomas
Affiliation:
Department of Zoology, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand
R. Poulin
Affiliation:
Department of Zoology, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand
*
*Fax: 813 974 3263 E-mail: aschmid@chuma.cas.usf.edu

Abstract

Taxonomic characters of the male posterior end and the body cuticle of Euchordodes nigromaculatus (Nematomorpha) were described by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and compared with the original description by Poinar (1991a) and with other Euchordodes species. Intraspecific variation was found in the body length, the distance between the cloacal opening and the posterior end and especially in the form of the male posterior end. The latter either possesses two short lobelike structures and a ventral groove or lacks these structures. The importance of SEM investigations and observations of intraspecific variation is stressed for the taxonomy of nematomorph species.

Type
Research Papers
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1998

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