New free-living marine nematode species (Nematoda: Desmodoridae) from the coast of New Zealand

Abstract

Pseudochromadora reathae n. sp. is described from intertidal sand in Otago Harbour (southern New Zealand), and Pseudodesmodora lacrima n. sp. is described from subtidal sediment in the Firth of Thames (northern New Zealand). Pseudochromadora reathae n. sp. differs from other species of the genus through the combination of the following characters: sexual dimorphism in the shape of the apertura amphidialis, no interdigitation of body annuli at level of lateral alae, presence of eight longitudinal rows of somatic setae, and conspicuous pre-cloacal supplements consisting of star-shaped projections flanked by two cuticularised pieces. Pseudodesmodora lacrima n. sp. is characterised by the presence of large unispiral amphids on amphidial plates, conspicuous ducts in the head region, low a values, and short cephalic setae.