Title | EARLIEST FOSSIL NEMATODE (MERMITHIDAE) IN CRETACEOUS LEBANESE AMBER |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 1994 |
Authors | Poinar, GO, Acra, A, Acra, F |
Journal | Fundamental and Applied Nematology |
Volume | 17 |
Pagination | 475-477 |
Type of Article | Journal Article |
ISSN | 1164-5571 |
Abstract | A mermithid nematode (Nematoda: Mermithidae) from Lebanese amber represent the oldest definite fossil nematode. The specimen is assigned to a new species, H. libani sp. n. in the extant genus, Heleidomermis Rubstov. This specimen is still coiled inside the abdomen of its insect host, an adult biting midge (Diptera : Ceratopogonidae). This association represents the oldest known example of animal-animal internal parasitism in a terrestrial environment. The find demonstrates the antiquity of mermithid nematodes and establishes mermithid parasitism of the lower Diptera some 120-135 million years ago. |
URL | <Go to ISI>://WOS:A1994PJ89500012 |