Bursaphelenchus acaloleptae n. sp. sharing tree and beetle carrier hosts with B. luxuriosae Kanzaki & Futai, 2003 in Japan

Abstract

Summary Bursaphelenchus acaloleptae n. sp. is described and figured based upon its morphological characters and molecular profiles. The new species belongs to the xylophilus-group of the genus and is typologically characterised by its secretory-excretory pore being located slightly posterior to the median bulb, weakly tapering, relatively broad and straight female tail with variously shaped terminus, and rounded male bursal flap with squared terminus. The new species is phylogenetically and biologically closest to B. luxuriosae. These cryptic species share the host (habitat) tree species, Aralia elata (Araliaceae), the same carrier insect species, Acalolepta luxuriosa (Cerambycidae), and a characteristic phoretic adult form. However, the new species is typologically distinguished from all other xylophilus-group species by the combination of the above-mentioned characters and molecular profiles (SSU and LSU molecular barcodes). Further, B. acaloleptae n. sp. can be distinguished from its closest relative, B. luxuriosae, by mating experiments, i.e., these two species did not produce a viable F1 generation in reciprocal crossings, thereby confirming separate species status using the biological species concept.