Title | Myrmeconema neotropicum ng, nsp, a new tetradonematid nematode parasitising South American populations of Cephalotes atratus (Hymenoptera : Formicidae), with the discovery of an apparent parasite-induced host morph |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2008 |
Authors | Poinar, GO, Yanoviak, SP |
Journal | Systematic Parasitology |
Volume | 69 |
Pagination | 145-153 |
Type of Article | Journal Article |
ISSN | 0165-5752 |
Abstract | A new genus and species of tetradonematid nematode, Myrmeconema neotropicum n. g., n. sp., is described from larval, pupal and adult stages of Cephalotes atratus L. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Peru and Panama. Diagnostic characters of the new genus include: males and females subequal in size; cuticle with minute annulations; six cephalic papillae; stylet present in all stages; stichocytes absent; trophosome degenerate; three penetration glands; gonads paired and opposite; vulva in mid-body region; single spicule; genital papillae absent; adult tails rounded; infective juveniles moult once in egg; and adults of both sexes remain in the host throughout their development. As the female nematodes mature inside the worker ants, the host gasters change colour from black to red. |
URL | <Go to ISI>://WOS:000251175300006 |
DOI | 10.1007/s11230-007-9125-3 |