A new free-living nematode species, Terschellingia didistalamphida sp. nov. (Nematoda: Linhomoeidae), with female intersexuality from West Bengal, India

Abstract

A new species of free-living soil nematode, Terschellingia didistalamphida sp. nov., is described from paddy field in West Bengal, India. It is characterized by moderate body length (L=1.0–3.5 mm), possesses two amphids, only four cephalic setae. Amphideal fovea distant from the anterior end, stoma small and narrow, pharynx with well-developed terminal bulb. Females with amphidelphic ovaries. Males with paired testes, ventrally arcuate, short and stout spicules, gubernaculum with clearly developed dorso-caudal apophysis. Tail long and filiform, similar in both sexes. Fourteen female intersexes of Terschellingia didistalamphida sp. nov., with a prominent female reproductive structure and a less conspicuous male reproductive system, were found. These female intersexes are with well-developed vulva and prominent spicules, however, lack apophysis. A checklist for known cases of intersex across various nematode orders has been appended.

Keywords

• new species
• new records
• female intersex
• soil nematodes
• meiofauna
• monhysterida.