Metrical Characters Research Articles

Identification of species of the genus Sylvaemus of northeastern Ukraine by metric characters

The reliable identification of representatives of the genus Sylvaemus is compli-cated by the huge coincidence of external and metrical characters, as well as by the fact that in most of their range, mice are in conditions of sympatry or even syntopy Moreover, identification is complicated by opposite clinal variability in size and geographic variability in fur colouration. The species are also similar in karyotypes, so their reliable identification is usually possible only based on biochemical or molecular analysis. The craniological collection of small mam-mals of O. V. Zorya and collection specimens of the Museum of Nature of V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University were studied. In total, 436 speci-mens of three species of the genus Sylvaemus were analysed: Sylvaemus ura-lensis, Sylvaemus sylvaticus, and Sylvaemus tauricus. Analysed were 14 odon-tometric and 23 craniological characters. Among the metric characters, three odontometrical—width of first upper molar (WM1), length of second lower molar (LM2), length of lower molar row (LM123)—and seven craniometrical characters—length of first upper molar (LM1), length of foramen incisivum (LFI), length of upper molar row (LUM), width of choana (WCH), height of skull including bulla tympanica (HBCB), length of lower molar row (LLM), length of mandible (LM)—made the greatest contribution to the differentiation of mice of the genus Sylvaemus. Width of first upper molar (WM1), length of first lower molar (LM1), length of second lower molar (LM2), length of brain-case (LBC), least interorbital constriction (LIOC), width of braincase (WBC), distance between incisor and M3 (LIM3), length of upper molar row (LUM), condylobasal length of skull (CBL), palatal length (LPP), greatest length of skull (GLS), and length of lower molar row (LLM) are the least variable metric char-acters. Scatterplots linking LLM/CBL, LUM/CBL, and LUM/GLS appeared to be the most suitable for differentiating the specimens, with minimal overlap of species in the morphospace. In north-eastern Ukraine, the best distribution of mice of the genus Sylvaemus was obtained as a result of the analysis based on both odontometrical and craniological characters, when the correctness of the classification was 100%.

Icosiella neglecta (Nematoda, Onchocercidae) in Ukraine: Occurrence, Hosts, Morphological and Molecular Characterisation

Icosiella neglecta (Diesing, 1851) is a filarial nematode infecting anuran amphibians in the western Palaearctic. In the present survey, we found I. neglecta in 27 out of 28 localities in eight regions of Ukraine. In those localities, 56.5 % of sampled green frogs (Pelophylax esculentus complex) were infected. The infection prevalence was similar in the two parental species, P. ridibundus (Pallas) and P. lessonae (Camerano), and their hybrid form, P. esculentus (Linnaeus), while the infection intensity was comparatively higher in P. ridibundus, as well as in the samples including both P. ridibundus and P. esculentus. Morphological examination of 40 females and 80 males of I. neglecta confirmed the consistency of main qualitative characters, whereas most metrical characters appeared to be rather variable and related to body length. Muscular oesophagus dimensions and spicule length in males were found to be the least variable. In the studied sample of males, 54 % had a longer spicule on the left side and a shorter one on the right side; the other 46 % had a longer spicule on the right side. Our molecular study using mitochondrial COI gene sequences confirmed the strong genetic similarity of I. neglecta populations in Ukraine and most other parts of its distribution area. A single nuclear 18S sequence generated was identical to one previously deposited in GenBank, originating from Ukraine.

Early and Middle Miocene Tragulidae of the Napak Region (Uganda) including the Oldest African tragulids: Taxonomic revision, stratigraphical background, and biochronological framework

ABSTRACT Tragulids are ruminant artiodactyls living today in two distinct areas in Central Africa (Hyemoschus) and South plus South east Asia (Moschiola, Tragulus). Their fossil record, however, is distributed much more widely including Europe. Yet, their palaeobiogeography and phylogeography is not fully understood. Taxonomy in need of revision, limited data and biochronological controversies hamper the reconstruction of the irevolutionary history. This study provides a taxonomic revision of tragulid faunas from late Early Miocene to early Middle Miocene sites at Napak (Uganda), which include the oldest known record on the African continent. Morphological and metrical characters of dentition supports the presence of ?Siamotragulus songhorensis in Iriri Member (ca. 20.5 Ma), Napak Member (ca. 20.5–19 Ma), and Akisim Member (ca.16 Ma). ?Siamotragulus aff. songhorensis, ?Siamotragulus n. sp., and ?Afrotragulus sp. are documented sporadically in the Iriri and Napak Member. Dorcabune iririensis and Dorcabune chappuisi as well as Dorcatherium pigotti and Dorcatherium n. sp. are recorded in the Napak Member . The results confirm the previously described successive appearance with ?S. songhorensis followed by Dorcatherium (now Dorcatherium and Dorcabune). However, our data suggest a higher diversity than previously thought, and accordingly we provide a partially alternative interpretation of the evolutionary history of Miocene African tragulids.

An Effort for Producing Disease Free High Yielding F2 Grains from F1 Seeds Evolved through CMS Breeding Technology

CMS A-lines (IR 58025 A) and KMR-3 as R- line were procured from the State Rice Research Station, Chin surah, Hooghly during December 2011. The seeds of A-line and R-line were sown in the seed bed at the research field of the Crop Research Farm (CRF) under The Department of Botany, The University of Burdwan on 18/12/2011 following anorms of CMS breeding technology. These seedlings were transplanted accordingly for raising F2 plant population. These F1 seeds were undertaken for F2 population which was observed critically during its growth and developmental phase till harvesting. These F1 seeds were sown in the seed bed maintaining three types of spacing. Five organic manure treatments viz. T0, T1, T2, T3, T4 were applied in the soil of each variety and spacing sub plot i.e total 30 sub plots were maintained following Randomized Block Design (RBD) in four replications. various metrical characters viz. No. of tillers, No. of total leaves, plant height, No. of tillers bearing inflorescence, total yield per bight were studied critically and recorded all the data carefully for further calculations, no disease occurrence was found in the field of F2 generations. The main aims and objectives of this experimentation were to study the yield attributes and disease free F2 seed from the hybrid F1 rice population evolved through CMS breeding technology.

Comparative morphology and biology of nematodes of genus Heterakis (Nematoda, Heterakidae), parasites of the domestic goose (Anser anser) in Ukraine

The genus Heterakis Dujardin, 1845 is one of the most widely distributed genera of nematode parasites of domestic and wild birds. Geographically and ecologically predominant species include Heterakis gallinarum Schrank, 1788 and Heterakis dispar Schrank, 1790. Prevalence and occurrence of these nematodes in the domestic goose (Anser anser dom.) depend on their biological and morphological specifics which ensure the highest viability, fast growth and maximum fertility in the host. This study presents the abundance and species composition of nematodes of the genus Heterakis in the domestic goose in Ukraine. Comparative study of morphological and metrical characteristics of H. gallinarum and H. dispar adult females and males is presented. Additional morphometric characteristics are proposed for easier identification of the two species. Stages and periods of embryonic development of H. gallinarum and H. dispar nematodes obtained from domestic geese are established according to morphological and metrical characters. Of the two species, H. dispar is prevalent in domestic geese from Poltava, Kharkiv and Kyiv regions. Abundance index of this species is 9.8 specimens, and intensity of infection index is up to 62 specimens. H. gallinarum is rarer, its abundance index is 1.2 specimens and maximum intensity of infection is 30 specimens. Species-specific morphological differences are more distinct in male nematodes in the size and structure of the spicules, lateral wing-like protrusions of pseudobursas, numbers and position of tail papillae. Additional metrical characteristics differ between H. gallinarum and H. dispar nematodes, allowing us to identify not only adult specimens but also eggs. Embryonic development of both species occurs in four morphologically distinct stages: protoplast, blastomere cleavage, formation of first and second stage larvae. Eggs of H. gallinarum nematodes become infectious in eight days at 27 °С, eggs of H. dispar in four days, their viability in laboratory culture is 84.3 ± 0.58 and 91.3 ± 1.53% respectively.

Molecular and morphological characterisation of Rhabdias picardiae Junker, Lhermitte-Vallarino et Bain, 2010 (Nematoda: Rhabdiasidae) from Delaland's River Frog, Amietia delalandii (Duméril et Bibron, 1841) (Amphibia: Pyxicephalidae) in South Africa.

Rhabdias picardiae previously known from the Guttural Toad, Sclerophrys gutturalis (Bufonidae) is described from a new host, Delaland's River Frog, Amietia delalandii (Pyxicephalidae). The species identification is confirmed by analysis of the COI gene sequence and morphological comparison with the original description. Morphological details of apical structures in adult parasitic R. picardiae, namely, the shape and position of lips, the number and position of external labial papillae, and the buccal capsule morphology are described using light and scanning electron microscopy. The buccal capsule width and length, the distance from anterior end to nerve ring and excretory pore, and ratios of distance to vulva to body length and body length to width were identified as less variable metrical characters in the studied sample of 30 specimens. Adult specimens demonstrated differences in the position of lips in relation to the oral opening and position of the buccal capsule in relation to the oesophagus depending on the size (age) of worms. The infective larvae of R. picardiae are described for the first time and characterised by two lateral alae consisting of two ridges, triangular pseudolabia with rounded tops, and presence of ornamentation on the rounded tail tip.

Deciduous dentition and eruption pattern in late Miocene Pachyrukhinae (Hegetotheriidae, Notoungulata) from La Pampa Province, Argentina

The study of juvenile remains of Paedotherium Burmeister from Cerro Azul Formation (La Pampa Province, Argentina; late Miocene) is presented. Upper and lower deciduous dentition (or permanent molars supposed to be associated with non-preserved deciduous teeth) are recognised. Several ontogenetic stages are distinguished among juveniles, according to the degree of wear and the replaced deciduous teeth. Besides, some morphological and metrical differences are observed along the crown height. Deciduous cheek teeth are high-crowned and placed covering the apex of the corresponding permanent tooth. The height of the crown and the degree of wear allow establishing the pattern of dental replacement of deciduous and permanent premolars in a posterior–anterior direction (DP/dp4–2 and P/p4–2), as well as the eruption of M/m3 before DP/dp4 is replaced. Some of the studied remains are recognised as young individuals of Tremacyllus Ameghino, but with complete permanent dentition, which leads to propose a different timing in the dental replacement with respect to Paedotherium; they also allow the establishment of an opposite premolar eruption pattern, from P/p2 to P/p4. This knowledge of the deciduous dentition of Paedotherium suggests the need of revising the morphological and metrical characters previously used for defining species within this taxon.

Growth Variability and Correlation Studies inDolichos biflorusL. at Two Locations

Thirty accessions of Dolichos biflorus L. were sown in two different locations viz., Crop Research Farm (CRF), under the Department of Botany of the University of Burdwan and Gagnabad, Adra, Purulia following a Randomized Block Design (RBD) layout having four replications. These accessions were collected from National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resource (NBPGR), New-Delhi, during September, 2010. Seeds were sown in the field in the month of November 2010. Uniform agronomic measures were provided in both the locations for the proper growth and development of the crop. Various metrical characters were observed and all the data were recorded properly for further computations. Correlation analysis was performed among measured characters. Out of thirty accessions, seven genotypes proved themselves to be the most adaptive in both the locations of different agro-climatic conditions. Correlation values between plant height vs. pods plant−1, plant height vs. leaf area, plant height vs. days to flowering, plant height vs. pod length, plant height vs. grains pod−1 and plant height vs. yield plant−1 were determined and exhibited in this context. The aims of this experiment were to explore the suitable area and congenial environment for better crop productivity amongst those two locations.

Digenean parasites of the great antshrike, Taraba major (Aves: Thamnophilidae), from Argentina, with a description of a new species of the genus Strigea (Strigeidae)

During a survey of birds from Argentina, two species of Digenea, one of them new, were found parasitizing the great antshrike, Taraba major (Vieillot) (Aves: Thamnophilidae). The strigeid, Strigea orbiculata sp. n. is characterized by having a body plump, a copulatory bursa without a membraneous fold ('Ringnapf'), entire testes, eggs with miracidia with eye-spots, by the arrangement of vitelline follicles in the forebody, which are densely distributed from its anterior edge, and by the absence of a neck region in the hindbody. Among the known Neotropical species of Strigea Abildgaard, 1790, only five share with Strigea orbiculata sp. n. the body shape and the distribution ofvitelline follicles in the forebody: Strigea caluri Dubois, 1962, S. elliptica (Brandes, 1888), S. inflecta Lunaschi et Drago, 2012, S. nugax Szidat, 1928 and S. sphaerocephala (Westrumb, 1823 nec Brandes 1888). However, S. caluri can be easily distinguished by having a membraneous fold in the copulatory bursa originated from 'Ringnapf', and multilobed testes. Strigea elliptica differs mainly by having a well developed 'Ringnapf' and the remaining species differ principally by metrical characters. The dicrocoeliid, Lyperosomum oswaldoi (Travassos, 1919) is reported for the first time from Argentina and T. major represents its new definitive host. The host specificity ofNeotropical Strigea spp. is discussed and an updated list of records of their hosts is provided.

Species of the genus Martes in the northwest of the Russian Plain in the Holocene

The problem of a sable (M. zibellina) and a pine marten (M. martes) potential cohabitation in the northwest of Eastern Europe was resolved using methods of multidimensional data analysis for the first time. The skulls (n = 48) and mandibles (n = 194) of representatives of the genus Martes from ten archaeological sites of the middle Holocene (Neolithic camps) and late Holocene (Iron Age settlements) of Onega Lake region and upper reaches of Western Dvina River region were studied. 18 complete skulls and large fragments of skulls were identified morphologically as M. martes remains. 42 mandibles of M. martes from eight middle and late Holocene sites of Western Dvina River region and two mandibles of M. zibellina from two middle Holocene sites of Onega Lake region were identified using discriminant analysis methods (8 – 15 metrical characters in each model).

Comparative morphological and morphometric description of the hominin calvaria from Bukuran (Sangiran, Central Java, Indonesia)

We describe the hominin skull (called here “Bukuran”) discovered in the lower Kabuh (or “Bapang”) series near Sendangbusik, from the Bukuran area in the Sangiran dome. The fossil, heavily mineralized, consists of the parieto-occipital and the left temporal, and the frontal bones. When combined, those two cranial parts represent a rather complete and well-preserved calvaria. Its stratigraphic position was established after the discovery. A detailed description is presented of the morphological and metric features of the Bukuran calvaria, and comparisons are made with Asian Homo erectus from Indonesia and China. The estimated cranial capacity of Bukuran, the general shape of its cranial vault, its ectocranial structures, and its morphological and metrical characters are in the range of Asian Homo erectus, and show clear affinities with other Indonesian members of the species. We discuss the evolutionary status of the Bukuran calvaria and its implication for hominin history on Java.

Cathaemasia Hians (Digenea, Cathaemasiidae) from Planorbis Planorbis (Mollusca, Gastropoda) in Reservoirs of Central Polissya

Cathaemasia Hians(Digenea, Cathaemasiidae) fromPlanorbis Planorbis(Mollusca, Gastropoda) in Reservoirs of Central PolissyaThe paper presents the description ofCathaemasia hiansRudolphi, 1809 trematode found on the territory of Ukraine in an intermediate host, fresh-water molluscsPlanorbis planorbis.We present also a comparison of metrical characters of the studiedC. hianscercariae and those described by other researchers.

A new species of Petasiger (Digenea, Echinostomatidae) parasitizing Podiceps major and Rollandia rolland (Aves, Podicipedidae) from Buenos Aires Province, Argentina

AbstractPetasiger argentinensis sp. nov. is described from material found in the intestine of the Great Grebe, Podiceps major (Boddaert) and the White-tufted Grebe, Rollandia rolland Quoy et Gaimard (Podicipediformes, Podicipedidae), from Argentina. The new species is characterized by the head collar armed with 19 spines and by the testes arranged in tandem. These characters are shared with only two Neotropical species of the genus, P. novemdecim Lutz, 1928 and P. combesi Zamparo, Overstreet et Brooks, 2005. Petasiger novemdecim differs from the new species in having a larger body, longer collar spines, larger eggs, a cirrus-sac of similar size to the ventral sucker and almost entirely anterior to it, and vitelline fields confluent ventrally posterior to the ventral sucker. P. combesi differs from the new species in most metrical characters, the shape of the body (antero-posteriorly elongate) and the location of the genital pore (dextral) and the excretory pore (dorsal). This is the first record of a member of the genus Petasiger parasitizing birds from Argentina.

The effects of number of Y chromosomes on mating behaviour and bristle number in Drosophila melanogaster

The effects of the dosage of Y chromosomes on some metrical characters in Drosophila melanogaster have been investigated. XO and XYY males were found to be considerably inferior than XY males in regard to mating activity, mating capacity and mating competition ability, while XXY females did not differ from XX females in the studied mating characteristics. Similarly, deviation in the Y chromosome number affected sternopleural bristle number significantly in males but not in females as well as carrying with it an increased developmental instability with respect to intraindividual bristle frequencies. The effect of the differences in mating activity among males with different numbers of Y chromosomes is a strong stabilizing selection for the XY/XX sets of sex chromosomes.

A revision of Petasiger Dietz, 1909 (Digenea: Echinostomatidae) and a key to its species

Petasiger Dietz, 1909 is revised, and a key to and lists of the records and hosts of the 18 recognised species are presented. The recognised species are: P. exaeretus Dietz, 1909, P. australis Johnston & Angel, 1941, P. combesi Zamparo, Overstreet & Brooks, 2005, P. floridus Premvati, 1968, P. grandivesicularis Ishii, 1935, P. islandicus Kostadinova & Skirnisson, 2007, P. johnstoni n. sp., P. megacanthus (Kotlán, 1922), P. minutissimus Gogate, 1934, P. neocomense Fuhrmann, 1927, P. nitidus Linton, 1928, P. novemdecim Lutz, 1928, P. oschmarini Kostadinova & Gibson, 1998, P. phalacrocoracis (Yamaguti, 1939), P. pseudoneocomense Bravo-Hollis, 1969, P. pungens (Linstow, 1894), P. soochowensis Ku, Chiu, Li & Zhu, 1977 and P. variospinosus (Odhner, 1910). Seven of these species are redescribed on the basis of type and newly collected material. P. laricola Ku, Chiu, Li & Zhu, 1977, Echinochasmus fotedari Chishti & Mir, 1989 and P. neocomense of Canković, Kazić & Milka (1983) are considered synonyms of P. pungens; P. longicirratus Ku, 1938, P. skrjabini Bashkirova, 1941 and P. nitidus of Chen et al. (1985) synonyms of P. neocomense; P. caribbensis Nassi, 1980 a synonym of P. novemdecim; and P. tientsinensis Ku, Chiu, Li & Zhu, 1977 a synonym of P. exaeretus. P. johnstoni n. sp. is described from Tachybaptus ruficollis novaehollandiae in Australia. It is readily distinguished from the most closely-related P. grandivesicularis Ishii, 1935 and P. australis Johnston & Angel, 1941 by the smaller size of the body and angle collar spines and differences in most other metrical characters. Species attributed to Petasiger which are here considered species inquirendae are: P. antigonus Nigam, 1944 sp. inq., P. chandleri Abdel-Malek, 1952 sp. inq., P. jubilarum Elperina in Skrjabin, Petrov & Bashkirova, 1947 sp. inq., P. nicolli Pande, 1939 sp. inq. and P. spasskyi Oshmarin in Skrjabin, Petrov & Bashkirova, 1947 sp. inq.; and Echinoparyphium inopinatum (Baer, 1959) n. comb. is a species previously attributed to Petasiger.

A revision of Patagifer Dietz, 1909 (Digenea: Echinostomatidae) and a key to its species

Patagifer Dietz, 1909 is revised and a key to the species is presented. P. oweni n. sp. is described from Threskiornis molucca (Cuvier) in the Western Province of Papua New Guinea and distinguished from the related P. chandrapuri Srivastava, 1952 by: the shape of the pair of large angle spines (cudgel-shaped vs sub-rectangular); pointed (vs rod-shaped) marginal spines; a smaller body and internal organs; more anteriorly located testes; and larger eggs. The new species differs from P. brygooi Richard, 1964 in its larger body, head collar, suckers, pharynx and eggs, longer oesophagus and testes, the latter being also more elongate and more anteriorly located, and a different number of collar spines (61-62 vs 59). P. bilobus (Rudolphi, 1819) (the type-species), P. parvispinosus Yamaguti, 1933, P. chandrapuri and P. vioscai Lumsden, 1962 are redescribed on the basis of museum and newly collected material. The variations in the number and size of the collar spines and other metrical characters of P. bilobus are studied in two different host species from Europe, Plegadis falcinellus and Platalea leucorodia. Other species considered valid are: Patagifer consimilis Dietz, 1909, P. acuminatus Johnston, 1917, P. fraternus Johnston, 1917, P. wesleyi Verma, 1936, P. brygooi and P. toki Onda, Imai & Ishii, 1983. P. plegadisi Sakla, Monib & Mandour, 1988 and P. simarai Nigam, 1944 are considered synonyms of P. bilobus, and P. sarai Saksena, 1957 is placed in synonymy with P. chandrapuri. Forms considered dubious are: P. bilobus of Machida et al. (Jpn J Parasitol 15:339, 1966) and Machida (Bull Natl Sci Mus Tokyo 11:157-160, 1968), P. simerai [sic] of Mehra (The fauna of India and adjacent countries. Platyhelminthes, 1980), P. skrjabini Hilmy, 1949 sp. inq. and P. srivastavai Peter, 1954 sp. inq. Lists of the records and hosts of the 11 valid species are included.

Variations in the yield and fruit characters of some guava (Psidium guajava L) accessions in Ibadan, Southwestern Nigeria

A germplasm collection block of guava containing nine accessions was established in Ibadan to assess variations in metrical, visual and other fruit yield characters for the purpose of selection for good quality fruit. The results showed that four years after planting only accessions TB85/2885 and TB85/2887 had high survival percentages of 90% and 86% respectively. Most of the accessions produced fruits two years after planting. The accessions were significantly different with regards to fruit yield and metrical characters. Based on harvest duration, two groups of guava were identified – early fruiting (July-September) and late fruiting (August-October). The harvest duration varied among accessions from four weeks to nine weeks. All accessions were inferior to the improved varieties in terms of small fruit size and low fruit/seed weight proportion. Nevertheless, TB85/2885 may be selected among the accessions for its good survival on poor soil, big fruits, high fruit/seed weight proportion, long fruiting duration as well as availability of its fruits off-season. Key Words: Accessions; guava; harvest duration;, metrical characters; percentage survival Moor J. Agric. Res. Vol.4(1) 2003: 71-77

Pine marten and stone marten: morphological and genetic differences in comparison

The status of these two ?twin? species in Italy is extremely different; stone marten is widely spread throughout the entire peninsula, while absent in the islands, pine marten is spread in Sardegna, Sicilia and Isola d'Elba, but its distribution in the peninsula is very fragmented. Such a situation allows presuming a competition between the two species, where the beech marten comes out as the ?winner?. This information points out the possibility of conservation programs to preserve the pine marten and to contain the stone marten. Thus it is of primary the necessity of an unmistakable differential taxonomical diagnosis between the two species. Objective difficulties in the identification and recognition of these Mustelids are already known. Thus a program of genetic characterization of pine and stone marten is being performed, also to prove the existence of effectively discriminating morphological characters. Up to now, 24 individuals were been analyzed from Toscana, Umbria, Marche, Lazio and Basilicata. Taxonomical ascription was been performed according to several morphological and metrical characters such as the coat-color and markings pattern and the length of the baculum . The reliability of this diagnosis has been verified through the genetic analysis performed on tissues sampled from each one individual. Genetic analysis was arranged both with direct sequencing and specific PCR-RFLP processing DNA by specific restriction enzymes (AluI and HaeIII) which cut a diagnostic mtDNA fragment in the beech but not in the pine marten. Morphological characters ascribed 10 individuals to Martes martes and 14 to Martes foina ; genetic results confirm the 10 pine martens, but only 12 out of the 14 stone martens. Therefore 2 individuals morphologically diagnosed as ?stone marten? resulted genetically ?pine marten?. Furthermore, for 6 individuals it was possible to analyze the DNA extracted from the faeces, thus giving the chance to perform a genetic identification through those indices of presence.

A new tapeworm, Postgangesia inarmata n. sp. (Eucestoda: Proteocephalidea: Gangesiinae), parasitic in Silurus glanis (Siluriformes) from Iraq and some comments on the Gangesiinae Mola, 1929.

We describe a new species of cestode belonging to Postgangesia Akhmerov, 1969 (Proteocephalidea: Gangesiinae) from the catfish Silurus glanis Linnaeus in Iraq. This is the second species known from this genus, and a redescription of the type-species, P. orientalis Akhmerov, 1969 (emend.), as well as a differential diagnosis are provided. The new species is characterised by the arrangement of its vitelline follicles, and various meristic and metrical characters. The systematic position of Postgangesia is discussed on the basis of both scolex and strobilar characters and arguments are presented for its placement within the Gangesiinae together with Electrotaenia Nybelin,1942, Gangesia Woodland,1924, Silurotaenia Nybelin, 1942 and Vermaia Nybelin, 1942. Finally, we illustrate and discuss some particular structures found in these taxa, especially in relation to the apical organs of the scolex.

Spauligodon aloisei n. sp. (Nematoda: Pharyngodonidae) parasite of Podarcis sicula (Reptilia: Lacertidae) from Italy.

A new species of an oxyurid nematode is described from the large intestine of the lacertid lizard Podarcis sicula (Rafinesque. 1810) (Reptilia: Lacertidae) from Italy. Spauligodon aloisei n. sp. differs from other species of the genus by a combination of morphological and metrical characters, including a spined tail in males and females, absence of a spicule in males, arrangement of the last pair of the male caudal papillae, vulva location, and egg morphology. The species most similar to S. aloisei n. sp. is Spauligodon caspius Annayev, 1987, described from Tenuidactylus (=Gymnodactylus) caspius in Turkmenistan. Tail length and location of the excretory pore and vulvar opening separate S. caspius from S. aloisei n. sp. This article increases the number of species of this genus from reptiles in the Paleartic Realm to 19.