Cuticular Apparatus Research Articles

A Morphological and Molecular Study of Spectatus spectatus (Kathlaniidae), Including Redescription of the Species and Amendment of Genus Diagnosis.

Spectatus spectatus Travassos, 1923 (Nematoda: Kathlaniidae) found in the intestine of Piaractus mesopotamicus (Holmberg, 1887) (Characiformes: Serrasalmidae) from the River Miranda, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil is redescribed based on morphological evaluation of newly collected material and examination of type and voucher specimens from the Coleção Helmintológica do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz. The following characteristics previously unreported or insufficiently described were observed: morphology of lips, presence of lamellae-like supplementary lips, presence of pharynx and cuticular ring surrounding the oral opening associated with a complex cuticular apparatus anterior to the pharynx, the number and arrangement of caudal papillae (13 pairs plus 1 unpaired), and the position of nerve ring. Since S. spectatus is the type species of Spectatus, the diagnosis of this Neotropical genus is amended. Synonymy of Chabaudinema Díaz-Ungría, 1968 with Spectatus, first proposed in 1980 by Baker, is supported by the present data. Molecular data that include the first sequence of the SSU rDNA for any species of Spectatus indicate a basal position of S. spectatus within Cosmocercoidea, forming a distant lineage from that comprising 2 species of Falcaustra Lane, 1915. This separate position of S. spectatus supports validity of the genus.

DEVELOPMENT OF THE «END APPARATUS» AND EXCRETORY DUCT IN THE VAN DER VECHT GLANDS OF POLISTES GALLICUS (L.) (HYMENOPTERA VESPIDAE)

SUMMARY The development of the end apparatus and excretory duct is described in the Van der Vecht glands of Polistes gallicus (L.) (Hymenoptera Vespidae). The precocious gland buds consist of clusters of three blastocytes wrapped round each other. The external cell represents the prospective secretory cell, and the inner ones the accessory (or ductular) cells. Numerous cytoplasmatic processes emanate from the apical surface of the external blastocyte: microvilli and a long axonemal structure, which act as moulds in the synthetic processes of the cuticular end apparatus and excretory duct respectively. These processes are performed by the prospective secretory cells (end apparatus) and accessory cells (excretory duct). The above findings are discussed and compared with the current morphogenesis patterns concerning the development of the secretion collection and release complex in the exocrine glands of Arthropoda. The fundamental role of cytoplasmic outgrowths during their development is emphasized.

Details of the digestive system in the midgut of Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki

Wood-feeding termites have evolved an efficient cellulose-decomposing system. The termite has two independent cellulose-digesting systems: one in the midgut and the other in the hindgut. Because the digestion system in the midgut should be the sole source of soluble sugars for the host termite, the details of the decomposition of wood particles in the midgut were clarified in one of the most common pest species, Coptotermes formosanus. The spatial distribution of cellulase in the midgut was found by immunohistochemistry, and the amount of endogenous cellulases and the volume of the endoperitrophic space were determined. The size of wood particles in the foregut and the midgut were compared. The results showed that one of the characteristics of wood degradation by termites is the mechanical grinding of food by the mandibles and the cuticular apparatus of the foregut. This process greatly increases the surface area of the substrates. Extremely high concentrations of cellulase attack the ground-up wood in the midgut, and the glucose produced is removed quickly through the peritrophic membrane.

Microfluidic photomechanic infrared receptors in a pyrophilous flat bug

Infrared (IR) receptors are so far known only in boid and crotalid snakes and in three genera of pyrophilous beetles that seek out forest fires. Pyrophilous insects can also be found in other orders, however, so it can be hypothesised that IR receptors also occur in some of these species. We investigated the pyrophilous Australian flat bug Aradus albicornis and found a small number of dome-shaped sensilla (diameter 13 microm) on the prothorax, which have previously not been described. Ultrastructural investigations revealed that the sensilla are characterised by a fluid-filled inner compartment enclosed in a round cuticular shell. The cuticular apparatus is innervated by the dendrite of a ciliary mechanoreceptor, which is fluidically coupled to the inner compartment. Electrophysiological recordings demonstrated that the sensilla respond to brief warming by red laser light or to broadband IR radiation. Depending on the radiation intensity (4.4-549 mW/cm(2) tested, threshold measured as 11.3 mW/cm(2)), first spike latencies varied between 3.4 and 7.5 ms. Thus, our findings demonstrate that A. albicornis most probably possesses photomechanic IR sensilla resembling the metathoracic IR sensilla of buprestid beetles of the genus Melanophila. In the Melanophila sensillum, IR radiation causes thermal expansion of a fluid, which rapidly deforms the dendritic membrane of a mechanosensory cell. The existence of photomechanic IR receptors in both beetles and bugs demonstrates a remarkable convergent evolution towards this particular biophysical transduction mechanism and suggests that it provides selective advantages over other possible solutions.

Morphology and ultrastructure of paired prototergal glands in the adult rove beetle Philonthus varians (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae)

Philonthus and other genera of Philonthina possess a pair of prototergal glands located in the first abdominal tergum and hidden at rest by hind wings and elytra. In Philonthus varians they occupy the whole length of the tergum and form a pouch-like invaginated reservoir with a scaly glandular zone and a smooth outlet. A grille of long setae covers the opening of each gland. The fine structure of these glands is given for the first time. Three types of cells are found in the glandular epithelium. Epidermal cells underlie the cuticular scales, numerous class 1 secretory cells open in the centre of calyces made of finger-like processes of the cuticle, and class 3 cells are connected to pored tubercles. A cytological comparison is made with the diverse class 1 cells described to date in Coleoptera. In these cells different evolutionary trends are shown in the structure of the cuticular apparatus, particularly in the number, size and position of the cuticular apertures as well as in the length and abundance of epicuticular filaments. A possible defensive function of the prototergal glands against pathogens and their interest for the phylogenetic study of Staphylininae are discussed.

Ultrastructural characterization of antennal sensilla and immunocytochemical localization of a chemosensory protein in Carausius morosus Brünner (Phasmida: Phasmatidae)

The aim of this work was to investigate the olfactory system of the walking stick insect, Carausius morosus. Morphological, ultrastructural and immunocytochemical studies of adult female antennae were conducted by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Extensive cross-section series were made through the last antennal segment to define the cuticular apparatus, wall pore distribution and the number of innervating receptor neurons of each sensillum type. Single-walled wall pore sensilla occur in three subtypes: (i) with 27 or 28 branched receptor neurons, (ii) with two branched neurons and (iii) with one or two unbranched neurons, respectively. Double-walled wall pore sensilla were found in two subtypes with spoke channels, one with four unbranched neurons, the other with two unbranched neurons. One terminal pore sensillum was found, showing two cavities within the hair and being innervated by six sensory cells. Immunocytochemical experiments were performed to show the localization of a 19kDa soluble protein found in the chemosensory organs of C. morosus. This protein shows an amino acid sequence homologous to the family of chemosensory proteins (CSP). The polyclonal antibody raised against the purified protein (CSP-cmA) showed, for the first time in CSPs, a strong labeling in olfactory sensilla, specifically in the sensillum lymph surrounding the dendritic branches of SW-WP sensilla and in the uninnervated lumen between the two concentric walls of DW-WP type 1 sensilla.

Antennal multiporous sensilla: their gustatory features for host recognition in female parasitic wasps (insecta, Hymenoptera: Platygastroidea).

In parasitic wasps, various kinds of antennal plates have been interpreted as olfactory organs due to the presence of numerous pores. However, on the basis of ultrastructural investigations, some of these multiporous plates were revealed as being release sites of exocrine glands while others were postulated to have a gustatory function. Such sensilla, present only on female antennae, show unique features, found exclusively in Platygastroidea, with some differences between Scelionidae and Platygastridae. The cuticular apparatus consists of a short basiconic shaft with an apical multiporous area, the pores of which are covered by movable structures. The cellular components are made up of a remarkable number of sensory neurons, from 200 to 220, and an undefined number of sheath cells. These multiporous sensilla have tubular accessory glands that release their secretion through the socket sensillum only in scelionids. These morphological characters, combined with behavioral observations, strongly suggest a gustatory function, although electrophysiological studies are still needed to confirm this. A new terminology for antennal multiporous plates is discussed in relation to their different functions.

Characterization of Beetle <I>Melanophila acuminata</I> (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) Infrared Pit Organs by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry, Scanning Electron Microscope, and Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy

The beetle Melanophila acuminata (De Geer) is able to detect infrared radiation emitted from forest fires with two infrared receptors (pit organs) located on the metathorax next to the coxal cavity of the second set of thoracic legs. Each pit organ houses ≈70 single IR sensilla, which probably transduce incoming IR radiation into a mechanical event. These pit organs may exhibit chemical differences from the cuticle covering other parts of the beetle, which could account for their enhanced infrared detection. Infrared pit organs and the elytra, the cuticle covering the wings, were subjected to LC/MS analysis by extracting the cuticle with solvents that varied in polarity. The resulting chromatograms and mass spectra were used to identify differences in solute mobility and composition. Energy dispersive spectroscopy and point dwell maps indicated only the presence of carbon, oxygen and nitrogen for the pit organs, wings and elytra. FT-IR transmission spectra were obtained for the pit organs, eye scales, coxal cavities and wings. FT-IR analysis detected chemical bonding for the sensilla of the pit organ, which agreed with the energy dispersive spectroscopy results. Sensilla absorb IR radiation at the maximum emission wavelength of forest fires, and there is no indication of a complex chemical reaction occurring upon IR absorption. Therefore, the degree of expansion of the cuticular apparatus of the IR sensilla seems to be the sole contributing factor for the photomechanical portion of infrared detection.

Ultramicrostructure and microthermomechanics of biological IR detectors: materials properties from a biomimetic perspective.

Microstructural organization of the biological infrared (IR) receptors was studied to elucidate their materials properties useful for prospective biomimetic design of artificial IR sensors from organic/polymeric materials. The IR receptors in Melanophila acuminata beetles were studied with ultrahigh-resolution scanning probe microscopy (SPM) in a range of temperatures. By application of micromechanical mapping and thermal stage, we made attempts to reveal the micromechanical and thermomechanical properties of the cuticular apparatus of the IR sensillum. The main component of the cuticular apparatus is an internal endocuticular sphere with a diameter of about 15-20 microm. Highly ordered multilayered organization of the lamellated peripheral mantle of the sphere was confirmed and characterized. We observed that the interlayer spacing of this microstructure varied along the circumference and decreased to 300 nm in the vertex of the sphere. We demonstrated that the microlayered structure is composed of nanolayers with very different micromechanical properties and thermal behaviors. Thermal expansion of the outer mantle was observed, and the local thermal expansion coefficient under given preparation conditions was estimated to be below 1.5 x 10(-4) grad(-1).

Atlas of olfactory organs of Drosophila melanogaster: 2. Internal organization and cellular architecture of olfactory sensilla

Antennae and maxillary palps of Drosophila melanogaster were studied with the electron microscope on serial sections of cryofixed specimens. The number of epidermal cells roughly equals the number of sensilla, except for regions where the latter are scarce or absent. Each epidermal cell forms about two non-innervated spinules, a prominent subcuticular space and a conspicuous basal labyrinth, suggesting a high rate of fluid transport through the sensory epithelium. The internal organization and fine structure of trichoid, intermediate and basiconic sensilla is very similar. Receptor cell somata are invested by thin glial sheaths extending distad to the inner dendritic segments. Further distally, the thecogen cell forms a sleeve around the dendrites, but an extracellular dendrite sheath is absent. At the base of the cuticular apparatus, the inner sensillum-lymph space around the ciliary and outer dendritic segments is confluent with the large outer sensillum-lymph space formed by the trichogen and tormogen cells. All three auxiliary cells exhibit many features of secretory and transport cells but extend only thin basal processes towards the haemolymph sinus. The bauplan and fine structure of coeloconic sensilla differs in the following aspects: (1) the ciliary segment of the dendrites is located deeper below the base of the cuticular apparatus than in the other sensillum types; (2) a prominent dendrite sheath is always present, separating inner and outer sensillum-lymph spaces completely; (3) the apical microlamellae of the auxiliary cells are more elaborate, but free sensillum-lymph spaces are almost absent; (4) there are always four not three auxiliary cells. Morphometric data are presented on the diameter of inner and outer dendritic segments and on the size of receptor cells, as well as of the receptor and auxiliary cell nuclei. The special fine structural features of Drosophila olfactory sensilla are discussed under the aspects of sensillar function and the localization of proteins relevant for stimulus transduction.

Atlas of olfactory organs of Drosophila melanogaster: 1. Types, external organization, innervation and distribution of olfactory sensilla

The third antennal segment (funiculus) and the maxillary palp are the main and accessory olfactory sense organs of Drosophila melanogaster. Cryofixed antennae and palps revealed a superior preservation of the sensory dendrites and other cellular details as compared to conventional chemical fixation. Extensive cross-section series through funiculus and palp were studied in order to obtain as complete an evaluation as possible of the sensillar complement on these appendages. About 75% of all sensilla on the male and female funiculus were individually studied and their position on the antennal surface mapped. Dimensions of the cuticular apparatus of the various types of sensilla are provided as well as the number of innervating receptor neurons. Particular attention has been paid to the cuticular pores important for stimulus transport and to the sensory dendrites. On the funiculus surface, all sensilla have multiple wall pores: sensilla (s.) trichodea and s. basiconica are single-walled, s. coeloconica are double-walled. The distribution of s. trichodea and s. basiconica follows opposing gradients along a diagonal axis parallel to the axis of the arista from proximo-medial to disto-lateral. In this disto-lateral direction the density of s. trichodea increases while that of the s. basiconica decreases. S. trichodea occur in three subtypes with one, two or three receptor neurons. Basiconic sensilla can be subdivided into three subtypes of large s. basiconica (with two or four receptor neurons), three subtypes of thin s. basiconica (with mostly two, rarely four neurons), and one subtype of small s. basiconica with two receptor neurons. Large s. basiconica occur only in the most proximal region (the ‘LB-zone’); thin s. basiconica are most common in a belt that borders the LB-zone distally, while small s. basiconica are most numerous even further distally along the mentioned diagonal axis in between the s. trichodea. S. intermedia are single-walled, multiporous sensilla which combine features of s. trichodea and s. basiconica; they are found in two subtypes with two or three receptor neurons, in the same region where s. trichodea abound. The s. coeloconica are irregularly distributed over the funicular surface, and occur in two subtypes with two or three receptor neurons. Sexual dimorphism on the antenna is moderate, the female funiculus is a bit longer and carries a larger number of small s. basiconica and large s. basiconica of the LB-I subtype; the male funiculus, however, has more s. trichodea than the female. On the maxillary palp, besides mechanoreceptive s. chaetica, there are only s. basiconica with two receptor neurons. According to the fine structure of their sensory dendrites, three subtypes can be discriminated which are distributed in a random pattern. The functional significance of the described structures and distribution awaits future immunocytochemical and electrophysiological experiments.

Fine structure and physiology of the infrared receptor of beetles of the genus Melanophila (Coleoptera: Buprestidae)

Buprestid beetles of the genus Melanophila (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) possess paired thoracic pit organs. Each pit houses about 70 tightly packed infrared sensilla that enable the beetles to detect forest fires at long range. The cuticular apparatus of a single infrared sensillum consists of an endocuticular sphere with an average diameter of 15 μm. Each sphere is innervated from below by the dendritic outer segment of a single sensory neuron that shows the same ultrastructure as a typical hair mechanoreceptor (e.g., sensillum trichodeum). Several transitional stages between cuticular mechanoreceptors and infrared sensilla can be found in the neighbourhood of the infrared sensillum field (intermediate sensilla and so-called suppressed systems). First electrophysiological recordings show that the receptors at the bottom of the pit are true infrared receptors. The sensilla respond in a fast phasic manner to infrared radiation and even an exposition time of 2 ms is sufficient to release a single spike. All morphological and physiological findings suggest that the infrared sensilla have evolved from ordinary cuticular mechanoreceptors and that mechanical events are still part of the transduction process. A model about the possible function of the infrared receptors of Melanophila is presented.

Chordotonal sensilla embedded in the epidermis of the soft integument of the cricket, Teleogryllus commodus.

More than 50 chordotonal sensilla, or scolopidia, embedded entirely in the integument were found in each side of the genital chamber wall in the female cricket, Teleogryllus commodus. Their cell bodies lie among the epidermal cells, and the tips of their dendrites terminate in the cuticle. About half of them contain two sensory cells (two-cell scolopidium), the others only one (one-cell scolopidium). The sensory cell in the one-cell scolopidium is the type-1 cell. In the two-cell scolopidium one is type-1 and the other type-2. Regardless of the number of sensory cells, they are all amphinematic. In the two-cell scolopidium only the type-2 dendrite, rich in microtubules, penetrates into the cuticle, bifurcates and terminates in the tube enclosed by an attachment cell; the type-1 never extends into the cuticle. On the other hand, the type-1 cell in the one-cell scolopidium projects its apex into the cuticle. The unique topography and structure of these scolopidia lead to the following hypothesis about the phylogenetic relationship between the scolopidia and other kinds of sensilla: the type-1 scolopidial sensory cell buried in the integument may be the original model, which through the loss of the long regular axoneme has given rise to type-2 cells. Modification of the apical region, the tubular body or ramification, may have lead to the cuticular sensilla corresponding to the development of the cuticular apparatus, and the scolopidia may have been withdrawn into the body cavity to form ordinary chordotonal organs.

Identification of Antennal Hygroreceptive Sensillum and Other Sensilla of the Firefly, Luciola cruciata

Abstract We have identified and characterized the hygroreceptive sensilla on the antenna of the adult male firefly, Luciola cruciata, by coupling extracellular electrophysiological recordings from single sensilla with observation of morphology of the sensilla using a field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM). Seven morphologically different types of sensilla were present on the antenna: pored chaetic, poreless chaetic, basiconic, trichoid, capitular and campaniform sensilla and a new type of sensillum. To determine which is the hygroreceptive sensillum, responses to humidity changes were electrophysiologically recorded from each type of these sensilla. Impulses from moist and dry receptor cells could be obtained from only the capitular sensillum along with impulses from a cold receptor cell. The results clearly showed that the capitular sensillum is hygro- and thermoreceptive. The capitular sensillum had a cuticular apparatus that extends about 8 μm above the antennal surface and is externally ...

The infrared receptor of Melanophila acuminata De Geer (Coleoptera: Buprestidae): ultrastructural study of a unique insect thermoreceptor and its possible descent from a hair mechanoreceptor

The paired infrared organs of Melanophila acuminata consist of 50–100 sensilla situated at the bottom of a pit next to the coxae of the mesothoracic legs, where no exocuticle is developed. Each sensillum is accompanied by a wax gland and has a cuticular lens-like spherule (diameter 12–15 μm) bulging out with its upper hemisphere above the surface, covered only by a thin cuticle of about 1 μm. Distal processes of two enveloping cells surround the entire spherule in the form of a flattened protoplasmatic layer with the exception of a small apical stalk connecting the spherule to the outer cuticle. The spherule is innervated by a single sensory neuron of the ciliary type which is anchored ventrally with the distal tip of its cylindrical and unbranched DOS in the spherule. The insertion of the dendrite, which contains a well-developed tubular body, is always eccentric like in a hair mechanoreceptor (sensillum trichodeum) and there is no evidence of any optical function of the spherule. Three enveloping cells exist, but only one — probably the trichogen cell — forms a relatively small outer receptor lymph cavity. In the posterior wall of the pit — where exocuticle is developed — so-called suppressed systems can be found which remain completely below the cuticle with their otherwise well-developed spherules. Additionally, there is a tendency towards basally flattening and longitudinally stretching of spherules which are situated more peripherally. They strongly resemble the basal regions of hair mechanoreceptors (sensilla trichodea) in their immediate neighbourhood which are also accompanied by wax glands. Because of the existence of these transitional stages and the great ultrastructural resemblance between infrared receptors and hair mechanoreceptors concerning the bauplan of the sensory neurons and their mode of innervating the cuticular apparatus, we conclude that the infrared sensilla are probably derived from hair mechanoreceptors. Based on these results and transmission measurements of infrared radiation through the cuticular components of the organ, a model of the possible function of the infrared receptor is presented.

The tuft organs of the human body louse, pediculus humanus corporis—cryofixation study of a thermo-/ hygrosensitive sensillum

The tuft organs of the human body louse, Pediculus humanus corporis, display a complex cuticular apparatus without wall pores, consisting of the cuticular cone, cuticular pocket, and the sensillar peg with 5–6 tuft processes. The cuticular wall of the sensillar peg exhibits several layers of differing electron density tightly surrounding the dendrites. The sensillar peg is innervated by the unbranched dcndrites of two receptor cells which do not reach into the tuft processes. A third receptor cell forms a lamellar outer dendritic segment which wraps around the two other dendrites and terminates before reaching the base of the sensory peg. This type of receptor cell is named stratoterminal while for those which end within the cuticular apparatus the term conoterminal is proposed. Five auxiliary cells are associated with each tuft organ. The pore organs display a porous cuticular plate innervated by the branching dendrites of four receptor cells. A fifth receptor cell terminates more proximal and resembles the stratoterminal cell of the tuft organ. From the fine structure it is evident that the lull organs represent thermo-hygrosensitive sensilla whereas the pore organs may have an olfactory function.

Preliminary ultrastructural findings on the sternal glands of malePolistes nimpha(Christ)

Class III tegumental glands were described in the gastral sternites of Polistes nimpha (Christ) according to the main structural pattern of these exocrine organs. Each gland consists of a monocellular secretory unit, provided with a cuticular end apparatus and duct. Organelles related to proteosynthesis and product deposits were detected in the cytoplasm of the secretory cell. Secretory product was also observed within the exigous reservoir compartment holding the branched end apparatus. These findings, compared with previous investigations, confirm ultrastructural homogeneity among tegumental, or at least epiblast-derived, exocrine glands in hymenopterans, although their functional role may differ.

Fine structure of a sensory organ in the arista of Drosophila melanogaster and some other dipterans

The arista, a characteristic appendage of dipteran antennae, consists of 2 short segments at the base and a long distal shaft. A small sensory ganglion, from which arises the aristal nerve, is located proximally in the shaft. The fine structure of the aristal sensory organ was studied in detail in the fruitfly (Drosophila) and for comparison in the housefly (Musca) and the blowfly (Calliphora). In Drosophila, the aristal sense organ consists of 3 identical sensilla that terminate in the hemolymph space of the aristal shaft, and not in an external cuticular apparatus. Each sensillum comprises 2 bipolar neurons and 2 sheath cells; a third sheath cell envelops the somata of all six neurons of the ganglion. The neurons have long slender dendrites with the usual subdivision into an inner and an outer segment. One of the outer segments is highly lamellated and bears small particles (BOSS-structures) on the outside of its cell membrane; the other outer segment is unbranched and has a small diameter. The fine structure of the first dendrite is strongly reminiscent of thermoreceptors known from the antennae of other insects. These thermoreceptors are often coupled with hygroreceptors; however, we can only speculate whether the second dendrite of the aristal organ also has this function. Our present results argue against mechanoreceptive functions, as formerly postulated. The aristal sense organs in Musca and Calliphora are similar to those in Drosophila, but contain more sensilla (12 in Musca, 18 in Calliphora.

The hair-peg organs of the shore crab, Carcinus maenas (Crustacea, Decapoda): Ultrastructure and functional properties of sensilla sensitive to changes in seawater concentration

The hair-peg organs of the shore crab, Carcinus maenas, are modified hair-sensilla. A small hair shaft (peg) is surrounded by a tuft of solid cuticular bristles (hairs). Each hair-peg organ is innervated by 6 sensory neurons, 2 of which have “scolopidial” (type-I) dendrites. The outer segments of all dendrites pass through a cuticular canal extending to the articulated hair base in which the 2 type-I dendrites terminate. The other 4 (type-II) dendrites reach the clavate tip of the hair shaft and have access to a terminal pore and a large sickle-shaped aperture. Three inner and 8–12 outer enveloping cells belong to a hair-peg organ. The innermost enveloping cell contains a scolopale, which has desmosomal connections to the ciliary rootlets of the type-I dendrites. An inner and an outer sensillum lymph space are present. The ultrastructural features of the dendrites and the cuticular apparatus indicate that the hair-peg organs are bimodal sensilla, comprising 2 mechano- and 4 chemosensitive sensory neurons. Extracellular recordings from the leg nerve indicate that the chemosensitive neurons of the hair-peg organs respond to changes in seawater concentration in the physiological range of Carcinus maenas.

Karyometric and morphological analysis of two sympatric marine species of the Gyratrix hermaphroditus complex (Platyhelminthes: Kalyptorhynchia) occurring at Roscoff (Brittany, France)

Two marine sibling species of the Gyratrix hermaphroditus complex were found to occur sympatrically at Roscoff (Brittany, France). Both share the same chromosome number 2n = 6, but differ for the values of centromeric indices, length ratio of chromosomes and absolute length of the haploid genome. Differences were also found in body size and male cuticular apparatus morphology. They are furthermore distinct for the above characters from the other two marine species of the complex already known (from the Mediterranean and the North Sea). Chromosomal evolution and phylogenetical relationships within the marine species of the G. hermaphroditus complex are discussed in detail.