Metathelazia naghiensis sp. n. (Nematoda: Pneumospiruridae) from the Long-Nosed Bandicoot, Perameles nasuta (Marsupialia)

Abstract

Metathelazia naghiensis (Nematoda: Pneumospiruridae) is described from the bronchi, bron- chioles, and subpleural parenchyma of the lung of the marsupial long-nosed bandicoot, Perameles nasuta Geoffroy 1804 from Naghi State Forest, New South Wales, Australia. The nematode is distinguished from other species in the family Pneumospiruridae by the presence of a well-developed, well-sclerotized buccal capsule with six prominent denticles, three pairs of large, salient lips, three to seven irregular, longitudinal cuticular ridges over the lateral cord area, subcuticular tuberculations over the body, a vulva located well anterior to the anus, and by the distribution of caudal papillae in male worms. Morphological features of this species suggest that only one genus should be recognized in the Pneumospiruridae. The Pneumospiruridae (Thelazioidea) oc- cur in the respiratory system of a variety of mammals in widely scattered regions of the world. During studies of the helminth para- sites of native mammals in southeastern New South Wales, Australia, pneumospirurid nem- atodes were recovered from the bronchi, bronchioles, and subpleural lung parenchyma of the long-nosed bandicoot, Perameles na- suta Geoffroy 1804 an insectivorous, polypro- todont marsupial (Peramelidae). The parasite described herein represents the first record of a pneumospirurid nematode from a marsupial and from Australia. It also highlights the ne- cessity for a thorough and critical review of the systematics of the Pneumospiruridae. MATERIALS AND METHODS