Two new species of the order Monhysterida (Nematoda) from the sea of China

Abstract

Two new marine nematode species belonging to the order Monhysterida are described from the sea of China. Halomonhystera zhangi sp. nov. is characterized by its relatively small body size; short anterior sensory setae; small, circular amphidial fovea located at the level of buccal cavity base; funnel-shaped buccal cavity; an excretory-secretory system with a large ventral gland and opening as a very narrow canal just posterior to the level of cephalic setae; slightly curved slender spicules with cephalated proximal end and tapered distal end; rod-like gubernaculum without apophysis; two papilliform precloacal supplements just in front of the cloaca; conico-cylindrical tail with two ventral papillae, each with a seta; and distance between the vulva and anus slightly longer than the tail length. This is the first new species of epiphytic nematode reported in China. The second new species, Stylotheristus flagellicaudatus sp. nov., has a relatively shorter body and longer tail; striated cuticle; The anterior sensilla arranged in two circles, the first circle consisting of six inner labial setiform papillae (3–4 µm) and the second circle consisting of 16 long setae (12–19 µm); a transversely oval amphideal fovea; a well-developed muscle around the funnel-shaped buccal cavity; short spicules and a gubernaculum composed of a single piece; and precloacal supplements absent. An updated key to all species of Halomonhystera and pictorial key to all species of Stylotheristus are also given.