Abstract
The present communication describes a new species of mermithid nematode, Isomermis lairdi, found parasitizing blackflies in the Ivory Coast, West Africa. This nematode is the most common mermithid parasite of Simulium damnosum Theobald and occurs in the larval, pupal, and adult stages of this blackfly in streams of various sizes. The diagnostic characters of the adults of I. lairdi are (1) terminal mouth. (2) strongly S-shaped vagina, (3) ratio of spicule length to anal body width (1.7–2.8), and (4) circular amphids and amphidial openings.The postparasitic juveniles of I. lairdi differ from those of I. tansaniensis Rubtsov, 1972, in having three or four rows of cells in the lateral cords and a longer tail appendage in the male.This is the third species of mermithid nematode described from blackflies (including Simulium damnosum) in West Africa, and the first of the genus.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
