Title | Heydenius araneus n.sp (Nematoda : Mermithidae), a parasite of a fossil spider, with an examination of helminths from extant spiders (Arachnida : Araneae) |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2000 |
Authors | Poinar, GO |
Journal | Invertebrate Biology |
Volume | 119 |
Pagination | 388-393 |
Type of Article | Journal Article |
ISSN | 1077-8306 |
Abstract | A mermithid, a parasite of a spider (Araneae: Thomisidae) in Baltic amber (40 mya), is described as Heydenius araneus n.sp. (Nematoda: Mermithidae) and represents the first fossil record of a nematode parasite of an arachnid. After a critical examination of reports of naturally occurring helminths of extant spiders, I conclude that although mermithid parasitism is well established in this host group, previous reports of hairworm parasites of spiders are "nomina dubia," putative records, or refer to mermithid nematodes. |
URL | <Go to ISI>://WOS:000165459200006 |