Scanning electron microscopy ofSpinochordodes tellinii(Camerano, 1888), (Gordiacea, Nematomorpha)

Abstract

Summary :There are many species of Nematomorpha which are deficiently described and therefore pose doubts about their actual taxonomic position. This is the case with Spinochordodes tellinii ICamerano, 1 888), which was transferred to four different genera and has been recently considered as species incertae sedis. A female of Spinochordodes tellinii is redescribed in this work under light microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy. Cuticle details, shapes and areolar distribution and the features as well as the location of spiniform structures are analysed. The systematic position is discussed. KEY WORDS

Reinvestigation and new evaluation of representatives from the generaSemigordionus,Euchordodes,Pantachordodes, Dacochordodes andSpinochordodes (Nematomorpha)

“…Areoles of the second type are clustered and form patches that occur all over the cuticle. In specimens from Availles Limorgines investigated by de Villalobos & Zanca (2002), the elevated structures resemble curved solid spines from which several form groups. In specimens from Avene les Bains, such spines are arranged in circular structures resembling a blossom (Fig.…”

“…SEM from posterior end and the cuticle in midbody. D e s c r i p t i o n. Spinochordodes tellinii has been investigated and documented using SEM by de Villalobos & Zanca (2002). The male posterior end is not divided into tail lobes, circumcloacal spines are present and numerous spines can be found on the whole ventral side around the cloacal opening (Fig.…”

“…For better comparison, we additionally present images of the cuticle from Spinochordodes tellinii (Camerano, 1888) and Dacochordodes bacescui C i p q e , 1965. From both species, SEM investigations are already available (Spiridonov et al 1992, de Villalobos & Zanca 2002.…”