Female Tail Research Articles

Free-living marine nematodes of the genus Richtersia Steiner, 1916 (Desmodorida: Richtersiidae) from the Sea of Japan.

Two new species Richtersia japonica sp. nov. and Richtersia amurica sp. nov. are described from the shallow water of the Sea of Japan. Both new species are characterized by the presence of multispiral amphidial fovea 3.5 turns in males and one turn in females; two unequal spicules and gubernaculum with anterior apophyses. R.japonica sp. nov. is most similar to R.beibuwanensis Fu, Cai, Boucher, Cao & Wu, 2013 and R.staresensis Soetaert & Vincx, 1987 in having arrangement of longitudinal rows of spines and presence of anterior apophyses on gubernaculum, but differs from them by the length of the spicules and in de Man a value in males. R.amurica sp. nov. is most similar to R.coomansi Soetaert & Vincx, 1987 and R.inaequalis Riemann, 1966 in having arrangement of longitudinal spine rows beginning at the level of the amphidial fovea and in long hairy spines on the tail of females. But it differs from them by presence of anterior apophyses on gubernaculum and length of the spicules. Data on the geographic and bathymetric distribution of all valid Richtersia species are provided.

Molecular and morphological characterisation of Ditylenchoides anyae sp. n. (Nematoda: Anguinoidea) from Iran

Summary A new species, Ditylenchoides anyae sp. n., recovered from soil in the headland areas of non-cultivated fields in Alborz Province, Iran, is described and illustrated based on its morphological, morphometric, and molecular characters. The new species was characterised by a slender body and length of 784 (663-925) μm (females) and 667-712 μm (males), lip region continuous, stylet length 6.4 (6.0-7.0) μm, lateral fields with four incisures, and excretory pore situated 110 (82-137) μm from the anterior end, median bulb of pharynx fusiform, non-muscular, and non-valvate, isthmus elongate, slender ending at a pyriform basal pharyngeal bulb not overlapping intestine, vulva with distinct and relatively large lateral flaps, a well-developed post-vulval uterine sac, 31.3 (27-35) μm long, a female tail elongate-conoid with pointed terminus; and male with adanal bursa and spicules 21-22 μm long. The new species was characterised using the D2-D3 expansion segments of 28S rRNA, ITS rRNA, and partial 18S rRNA gene sequences. Phylogenetic analyses of the genus Ditylenchoides are given based on the analysis of these genes.

Morphological and molecular characterisation of Bursaphelenchus parasaudi n. sp. (Tylenchina: Aphelenchoididae) found in loblolly pine logs from the USA

Summary Bursaphelenchus parasaudi n. sp., isolated in Ningbo, P.R. China, from loblolly pine logs imported from the USA is described. It is characterised by a slim body (a = 32-43), lateral field with four lines, excretory pore located at the level of metacorpus, vulva at 76% of total body length, a distinct vulval flap in lateral view, post-uterine branch ca half to two-thirds of the vulva to anus distance long, female tail conical, slightly ventrally curved, with a finely rounded terminus, male spicules with weakly developed rostrum and condylus and cross-striped in their central part, a single precloacal papilla and three pairs of ventro-sublateral papillae. It belongs to the africanus group of the genus Bursaphelenchus and is most similar to B. saudi. Detailed phylogenetic analysis based on the partial 18S region, ITS and 28S D2-D3 region confirmed the status of this nematode as a new species.

Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Discolaimus haridwarensis sp. n. (Nematoda: Dorylaimida: Qudsianematidae) from India

Discolaimus haridwarensis sp. n. is described from agricultural fields of sugarcane in the Haridwar district, India. It is characterized by its 2.11–2.32 mm long body, lip region offset by deep constriction and 27–30 μm wide, odontostyle 20–23 μm long with aperture occupying 50–54% of its length, 436–487 μm long neck, pharyngeal expansion 57–59% of total neck length, uterus a simple tube-like structure 22–31 μm long or 0.3–0.5 times the corresponding body diameter, pars refringens vaginae absent, transverse vulva (V = 48–55), female tail conoid (34–40 µm, c = 53–68, c′ = 1.0–1.3) with rounded terminus, and males absent. The phylogenetic analysis inferred from the D2-D3 expansion segments of 28S rRNA gene and 18S rRNA gene sequences showed that Discolaimus haridwarensis sp. n. clustered with other dorylaimid species from the genus Discolaimus and the subfamily Discolaiminae.

Sex-Specific Lipid Profiles and Flavor Volatiles in Giant Salamander (Andrias davidianus) Tails Revealed by Lipidomics and GC-IMS

To elucidate the relationships between lipid components and odor traits, this study comparatively characterized the distinct lipid compositions and flavor volatiles in giant salamander tails of different sexes via mass-spectrometry-based lipidomics and GC-IMS. A total of 3145 fat metabolites were detected in male and female giant salamander tails, with the largest contributors being triglycerides (TGs, 840) and phosphatidylcholines (PCs, 383). Notably, the contents of PCs and TGs were greater in female tails than in male tails, and the levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were also greater in the female group. Additionally, a total of 45 volatile components were detected, namely, 14 aldehydes, 14 alcohols, 9 ketones, 3 acids, 3 esters, 1 ether, and 1 amine. Alcohols (29.96% to 34.85%) and aldehydes (21.07% to 22.75%) were the predominant volatiles. Multivariate statistical analysis revealed 22 key differential fats and 26 differential odor substances as distinguishing labels between sexes. Correlation analysis revealed that the concentrations of triethylamine, dimethyl sulfide, ethanol-D, and 3-methyl butanal-D were significantly positively correlated with the concentrations of diglyceride (DG) (26:6e), cardiolipin (CL) (59:4), acylcarnitine (AcCa) (22:4), and triglyceride (TG) (52:10) (p < 0.01). Threefold cross-validation revealed that the prediction accuracies of these differential lipids and volatile compounds for sex recognition via the random forest model were 100%. These findings might not only provide insight into the effects of sexes on the lipid and volatile profiles of giant salamander tails but also provide clues for their gender recognition.

Discovery and Characterization of Four Aphelenchid Species from Cultivated Regions of Southern Alberta, Canada.

The nematode family Aphelenchoididiae is considered fungal-feeding, predatory, or root hair feeders. Some members of this family are universally present in agricultural landscapes and are an integral part of soil health and conservation studies. In the present soil nematode biodiversity survey, we detected four species of the genera Aphelenchus, Aphelenchoides, and Robustodorus. Because fungal-feeding nematodes from southern Alberta have not previously been reported, we conducted a detailed morphological and molecular investigation, identifying these species as Aphelenchus avenae, Aphelenchoides limberi, Aphelenchoides prairiensis n. sp. and Robustodorus paramegadorus n. sp. The first two species we document as new records from southern Alberta, whereas A. prairiensis n. sp. and R. paramegadorus n. sp. we describe in detail as new taxa. Briefly, A. prairiensis n. sp. is an amphimictic species having 4 lateral lines; hemispherical anteriorly flattened lip region; delicate stylet and swelling-like stylet knobs; excretory pore at the posterior edge of nerve ring. Female tail conical, gradually tapering towards a truncated end with single mucro. Spicule 23.0 (20.0-25.0) µm long having elongated rounded condylus, small, blunt conical rostrum, and lamina that gradually tapers towards the rounded distal end; three pairs of caudal papillae were present on the male tail. Robustodorus paramegadorus n. sp., is a parthenogenetic species with 3 lines in the lateral fields; lip region rounded, anteriorly flattened; stylet robust, with knobs rounded to bean-shaped; excretory pore located posterior to nerve ring; reproductive components were quite indiscernible with a short 24.0 (18.0-27.0) µm post-vulval uterine sac; tail conical, ending with pointed to wedge-shaped tip. We performed molecular characterizations for each species and constructed phylogenetic trees to study the phylogenetic relationship of these aphelenchid species. The discovery of A. prairiensis n. sp. and R. paramegadorus n. sp. indicates that soil nematode diversity is relatively unexplored in southern Alberta. The findings of this study will significantly enhance the identification processes and may contribute towards future soil health and biodiversity efforts.

Further studies on the diversity of Cylicospirura Vevers, 1922 (Nematoda: Spirocercidae) in African carnivores, with description of a new species.

Cylicospirura Vevers, 1922 is a genus of gastrointestinal spirurid nematodes parasitizing mainly felid but also canid, hyaenid and dasyurid hosts. Presently, 11 species are recognized worldwide, of which 4, Cylicospirura subaequalis, Cylicospirura felinea, Cylicospirura crocutae and Cylicospirura pardalis, have been recorded from African carnivores. In the present study, we describe Cylicospirura phiri n. sp. from hyaenas, namely Crocuta crocuta (type host) in Zimbabwe and Hyaena hyaena in Cameroon. The new species is the second species in the genus with bicuspid teeth. Furthermore, it can be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of characters, such as the absence of accessory teeth, the length and shape of the muscular oesophagus, position of the nerve ring, deirids and excretory pore in relation to the muscular oesophagus, the position of the vulva, spicule length and the shape of the female tail. Additionally, based on new material, detailed morphological descriptions are provided for C. crocutae and C. pardalis whose original descriptions were based on fragmented material. The material from Felis lybica, currently deposited as C. subaequalis, is described as C. felinea. First-time scanning electron micrographs are presented for the 4 species confirmed in African carnivores.

Bursaphelenchus glaucae n. sp. isolated from larval faeces of a longhorn beetle, Aeolesthes chrysothrix chrysothrix (Bates), in its pupal chamber constructed in the dead wood of Quercus glauca Thunb. from Japan

Summary A Bursaphelenchus species belonging to the hofmanni group (corneolus subgroup) was isolated from a small piece of larval faeces of the longhorn beetle Aeolesthes chrysothrix chrysothrix in its pupal chamber. The chamber was constructed in a dead wood section of Quercus glauca obtained from a live tree. The material was obtained during a management procedure of a garden tree to remove the dead part from live tree. The species is typologically characterised by its three-lined lateral field, the position of its secretory-excretory pore overlapping with the metacorpus anterior half, a very small spicule with distinctive broad and rounded condyles, a flattened trapezoid-shaped rostrum and small flattened cucullus, the presence of seven (P1, P2 and P3 papilliform and P5 gland) male genital papillae, a female vulva with a side flap and female tail forming an elongate conoid with a strongly ventrally curved posterior half and narrowly rounded or digitate tip. The species is typologically close to B. corneolus, sharing a small cucullus and female tail shape, but can be distinguished from the other species by the position of the secretory-excretory pore and the spicule rostrum shape. Phylogenetically, the new species forms a well-supported clade with B. corneolus, but can be distinguished by its clearly separable phylogenetic status inferred from SSU and D2-D3 LSU sequences and the difference in the ITS sequence. The new species is described as B. glaucae n. sp. Although the nematode was isolated from the larval faeces of A. c. chrysothrix, it has not been directly isolated from the insect body to date, thus, the carrier insect of the nematode has not been determined.

Pseudaphelenchus taedae n. sp. (Tylenchina: Aphelenchoididae) found in loblolly pine logs from the USA and peat from Lithuania

Summary Pseudaphelenchus taedae n. sp., isolated from loblolly pine logs (Pinus taeda L.) from the USA and peat from Lithuania, is described and figured. It is characterised by the male 355 (305-401) μm and female 427 (318-520) μm body lengths and by the presence of three equal incisures in the lateral field. The slender stylet has small but conspicuous basal knobs. Valve is located at posterior part of metacorpus. The excretory pore is located at the same level as valve plates or anterior. Spicules are paired, thorn-like, separate, condylus broadly rounded, rostrum conical or triangular with a bluntly pointed tip, calomus smoothly tapering together with lamina, thin and strongly arcuate in middle then tapering towards bluntly pointed distal tip, cucullus absent. A narrow bursa surrounds three quarters of tail but is inconspicuous in most cases. The conical male tail is bluntly rounded but mostly with a short pointed or blunt mucron. The female tail is conical in various shapes, smoothly tapering, slightly ventrally bent or curved, with broadly rounded or pointed terminus. Detailed phylogenetic analysis based on the 18S and D2-D3 region of 28S sequences confirmed the status of this nematode as a new species.

Description of five new and four known species of Dorylaimellus Cobb, 1913 with perioral disc (Nematoda: Belondiroidea) from the Western Ghats of India

Five new and four known species of the genus Dorylaimellus Cobb, 1913 are described and illustrated from the Western Ghats of India. Dorylaimellus attenuatus sp. nov. has a 0.73–0.84 mm long body; lip region rounded, offset; odontostyle attenuated with indistinct lumen, odontophore 9–10 µm long; expanded part of pharynx 39–48% of neck length; female genital system amphidelphic and tail long filiform. Dorylaimellus cylindricaudatus sp. nov. has a 1.0–1.15 mm long body; lip region rounded, offset; odontostyle 4 µm long, odontophore 11–12 µm long; expanded part of pharynx 47–56% of neck length; female genital system amphidelphic, and tail elongate-cylindrical with rounded terminus. Dorylaimellus karnatakensis sp. nov. has a 1.2–1.3 mm long body; lip region rounded, offset; odontostyle 5 µm long, odontophore 12–13 µm long; expanded part of pharynx 45–53% of neck length; female genital system amphidelphic; spicules 22 µm long, ventromedian supplements four, and tail elongate-conoid dorsally convex. Dorylaimellus kasplateauensis sp. nov. has a 0.68–0.83 mm long body, lip region with a weak perioral disc; odontostyle 6–7 µm long, odontophore 11–14 µm long; expanded part of pharynx 38–43% of neck length; female genital system amphidelphic, and tail elongate arcuate conoid. Dorylaimellus tropicus sp. nov. has a 0.6–0.7 mm long body; lip region rounded, offset; odontostyle 4–5 µm long, odontophore 8–10 µm long; hemizonid present; expanded part of pharynx 43–52% of neck length; female genital system amphidelphic and tail elongate-filiform, sudden tapering, ending with rounded tip. Dorylaimellus andrassyi, D. discocephalus, D. belondirelloides, D. chakpilus are redescribed based on the specimens collected from several localities of the Western Ghats.

Description and Molecular Characterization of a New Dorylaimid Nematode, Mesodorylaimus pini n. sp. (Nematoda: Dorylaimidae) from Korea.

Mesodorylaimus pini n. sp., a new species isolated from the bark and cambium layer of a dead black pine tree is characterized herein using integrative taxonomy, considering both morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses of the 18S- and 28S-rRNA genes. Mesodorylaimus pini n. sp. is characterized by having a medium-sized body 1.50-1.89 mm long; lip region angular and offset by a depression; a relatively long odontostyle (17.0-19.0 μm); vulval opening a transverse slit, positioned slightly posteriorly; pars refringens vaginae with two elongated drop-shaped to spindle-shaped sclerotizations; an intestine-prerectum junction with a long anteriorly directed conical or tongue-like projection; a relatively long female tail (115-187 μm); spicules 48.0-57.0 μm long; and regularly spaced 7-8 ventromedian supplements. It is closest to M. subtilis, especially in having similar body length and number of ventromedian supplements but can be differentiated from M. subtilis by the longer odontostyle, tongue-like projection, and longer spicules. The phylogenies based on the 18S- and 28S-rRNA sequences showed a well-supported sister relation of M. pini n. sp. with M. subtilis, M. japonicus, M. bastiani, M. pseudobastiani, Calcaridorylaimus castaneae, C. heynsi, and other member species of the group.

Morphological and molecular characterization of Paractinolaimus uljinensis n. sp. (Nematoda: Actinolaimidae) from Korea, with an updated compendium of the genus.

A new species of the genus Paractinolaimus isolated from the bark of a dead red pine tree was characterized using morphometric data and molecular DNA barcodes. Paractinolaimus uljinensis n. sp. was characterized by its medium sized body 2.50 to 2.98 mm long; lip region truncate, angular and offset by a depression; odontostyle 23.5 to 27.0 μm long; basal shield of pharynx present; vulval opening wide and longitudinal, positioned slightly anteriorly (V = 42.5-47.7); several advulval papillae; female tail long and filiform (324.0-435.0 μm long, c' = 10.1-14.2); a clearly visible copulatory hump; spicules 60.0 to 70.5 μm long; 12 to 15 (mostly 12-14) large contiguous ventromedian supplements, and male tail conoid to broadly rounded. The new species was morphologically compared with P. intermedius, P. sahandi, P. decraemerae, P. acutus, P. macrolaimus, and P. tuberculatus. The phylogenetic relationships among species were reconstructed using 18S- and 28S-rRNA gene sequences. The phylogenies showed well-supported sister relations of Paractinolaimus uljinensis n. sp. with P. sahandi, P. macrolaimus, and P. decraemerae. In addition, the ITS-rRNA gene sequences of Paractinolaimus uljinensis n. sp. were supplied, representing the first characterization of the gene for the genus.

Effects of Tail Vegetable Fermented Feed on the Growth and Rumen Microbiota of Lambs.

This study explored the impact of integrating fermented feed into the starter diet of lambs, focusing on growth, health, serum antioxidants, immune markers, rumen fermentation, and microbial communities. Thirty-six ten-day-old female Tail Han lambs were randomly divided into three experimental groups, which were separately fed with alfalfa hay (LA group), tail vegetable fermented feed (LB group), and tail vegetable fermented feed supplemented with 0.1% microbial inoculants (LC group) during the experimental period. This study assessed the influence of fermented feed on various parameters, including growth performance, fiber degradation, rumen fermentation, enzymatic activities, and ruminal histomorphology. The results indicate that compared to the control group, the addition of fermented feed can increase the daily weight gain of lambs. Simultaneously, the addition of fermented feed can enhance the total antioxidant capacity of serum (p < 0.05). The addition of fermented feed promoted the increased height of villi in the duodenum or jejunum of lambs (p < 0.05), and the ratio of villi height to crypt depth in the LB and LC groups was also improved (p < 0.05). The addition of fermented feed increased the richness and diversity of the rumen microbial community in lambs (p < 0.05), primarily increasing the relative abundance of Ruminococcus_1, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-005, Lachnospiraceae, and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group.

Androgen Receptors in the Dermal Glands of Male and Female Ouachita Dusky Salamanders.

The presence of androgens in female development is an important, yet often overlooked, topic. We tested for the presence of androgen receptors (ARs) in the dermal glands of male and female Desmognathus brimleyorum, a plethodontid salamander. This species engages in a courtship behavior called the tail-straddling walk. During this process, communication between males and females is hypothesized to be facilitated by pheromones secreted from modified granular glands (MGGs) on the dorsal tail base, where the female's chin is positioned. These glands are present not only dorsally but also laterally and ventrally on the tail of both males and females. Using immunohistochemistry with a polyclonal antibody, ARs were located in the MGGs of both sexes. Males had a higher percentage of immunopositive cells per MGG than females. The presence of ARs in both sexes highlights the similarity between MGGs in males and females and suggests androgens play a role in female gland function. Furthermore, our results suggest courtship communication is bidirectional, and females have a more active role, signaling the male, than previously described.

Description of Acromoldavicus xerophilus n. sp. (Nematoda, Rhabditida, Elaphonematidae) from the southern Iberian Peninsula, including a key to species of the genus.

A new species of the genus Acromoldavicus is described from coastal sand dunes and sandy soil in the southeast of the Iberian Peninsula. Acromoldavicus xerophilus n. sp. is characterized by its 557-700 μm body length, cuticle tessellated, lip region with three pairs of expanded lips bearing a large labial expansion, primary axils bearing guard processes with two different morphology, secondary axils lacking guard processes, stoma short and tubular with prostegostom bearing prominent rhabdia directed towards the stoma lumen, female reproductive system monodelphic-prodelphic, post-vulval sac 0.6-0.9 times body diameter, rectum very large, female tail short with biacute terminus and males unknown. The description, light micrographs, scanning electron microscope images, illustrations, and molecular analyses are provided. Molecular analyses (based on 18S and 28S rDNA) revealed its relationship with some species of the genera Cephalobus (18S tree), Nothacrobeles, Paracrobeles, and Spinocephalus (28S tree). Keys to species identification of this genus are also included.

Aging trajectories are trait- and sex-specific in the long-lived Alpine swift

Senescence is defined as the general deterioration of the organism (i.e. physiology, morphology, reproduction), and is associated with increasing mortality and decreasing fertility with age. Although senescence has now been widely reported in wild animals, little is known on whether senescence affects all traits, whether this process is synchronized across traits, and whether males and females are affected in the same way. Using an individual-based monitoring of 20+ years in free-living population of Alpine swifts (Tachymarptis melba), we investigated age-dependent variation between sexes and between six biometric traits, 4 reproductive traits, and 1 measure of parasite burden. We accounted for selective disappearance and terminal effects in our analyses. Our results provide general support for age-dependent variation at adulthood in 8 out of the 11 traits investigated. Most traits showed a variation with 2 thresholds, with first a strong improvement until 4 to 12 years of age (e.g., increased fork length, decreased parasite load, or earlier laying date) followed by a plateau and a decline at older ages. The age of the second threshold showed sex specific asynchrony, with an earlier threshold in males than in females for tail length, parasite burden and laying date, as well as moderate asynchrony across traits. Rates of senescence differed between sexes, with stronger senescence of the tail in females than in males and with evidence of reproductive senescence in females but not in males. We also found evidence of terminal investment in males with respect to brood size at hatching and terminal decline with increased asymmetry of the fork and decreased body mass. We found evidence of selective appearance with males with longer fork and little fork asymmetry starting to reproduce earlier in life, and females that start to reproduce earlier tending to higher reproductive success. Finally, we found selective disappearance of males with longer tails and marginal effect of selective disappearance of females with lower body mass. We discuss how natural or sexual selection may have led to these trait- and sex-specific patterns of aging in this long-lived bird.

Diversity of plant‐parasitic nematodes (PPNs) associated with medicinal plants in Vietnam, Vietnamese PPN checklist and a pictorial key for their identification

AbstractPlant‐parasitic nematodes (PPNs) are one of the most damaging pests to plants and are able to cause significant damage to all parts of plants, including stems, leaves, flowers, fruits and roots. Studies on the diversity, host range, distribution and identification methods of PPNs are therefore vital in order to create a basis for management. This current study represents the first dedicated investigation of PPNs from medicinal plants in Vietnam, focusing on the diversity of nematodes associated with 23 different plant species. In combination with a literature review of PPNs in Vietnam, this work has resulted in an updated list of 217 PPN species belonging to 40 genera, 15 families and three orders and also provides a pictorial online key for the identification of 52 most common and important PPN genera of the world. This key is based on the most crucial diagnostic features of PPN females, including female body shape, cuticle, labial shape, cephalic framework, stylet, stylet base, pharynx, median bulb, pharyngeal gland, vulva, tail shape and phasmid. Pictorial representations of these genera and their diagnostic characters are included in the browser‐based key to benefit users from all levels in nematology, be they beginners or experts.

Phasmarhabditis eagyptiaca n. sp. (Nematoda: Rhabditidae) Isolated from Egyptian Terrestrial Snails and Its Role as Control Bio-agentto Gastropods.

To date nineteen nematode species in the genus Phasmarhabditis Andrássy, 1976 recorded and described. This paper describes Phasmarhabditis eagyptiaca n. sp. (Nematoda: Rhabditidae), morphologically and phylogenatically and investigate its role as bio control agent for gastropods. Snails infected with nematode collected from Great Cairo Egypt. Sequences of the 18S ribosomal (18S rRNA) gene performed and used for phylogenetic studies. Morphological parameter measured and the nematode photographed and illustrated. Bioassay conducted on some snails and slugs species. Phasmarhabditis eagyptiaca n. sp. is the second new species of the genus Phasmarhabditis recorded and described in Egypt after Phasmarhabditis tawfiki Azzam2003, the fourth species from Africa and the 20th from the world. Morphological and molecular parameter showed that the new isolate is close to other species of Phasmarhabditis, especially Phasmarhabditis neopapillosa Andrássy, 1983, Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita (Schneider, 1859) and P. tawfiki Azzam with high bootstrap supported values (99.25%, 98.85%, and 98.64%, respectively). This nematode could infect and killed all snails and slugs exposed to infection in laboratory. Phasmarhabditis eagyptiaca n. sp. differs from all previously recorded species by shorter tail of female spikey tail of male and the arrangement of genital papillae formula which different from all previous species. It could be confirmed that this nematode is a new species of Phasmarhabditis. This nematode could be considering a biological control agent for snails and slugs.

Two new species of Dichelyne Jägerskiöld, 1902 (Nematoda: Cucullanidae) parasitising marine fishes in Iraq.

Recent examinations of some marine fishes from off the southern coast of Iraq revealed the presence of two new species of Dichelyne (Dichelyne) Jägerskiöld, 1902 (Nematoda: Cucullanidae), both intestinal parasites, namely: D. (D.) lethrini n. sp. from the smalltooth emperor Lethrinus microdon Valenciennes (Lethrinidae, Acanthuriformes) and D. (D.) iraqiensis n. sp. from the humphead snapper Lutjanus sanguineus (Cuvier) (Lutjanidae, Acanthuriformes). Specimens are described and illustrated based on light and scanning electron microscopical examinations. Dichelyne (D.) lethrini n. sp. is mainly characterised by the length of spicules (522 µm), presence of a dorsal caecum, location of deirids at the level of the posterior end of oesophagus and the post-oesophageal position of the excretory pore, number (10 pairs) and distribution of caudal papillae in the male, and the presence of two minute terminal spines on the female tail tip. Dichelyne (D.) iraqiensis n. sp. differs from the species of the subgenus Dichelyne mainly based on the absence of caudal spines, the presence of a dorsal caecum, the length of spicules (789-884 µm), the location of deirids and the excretory pore approximately at the same level, and the size of eggs (72-78 × 42-51 µm). These new species infecting marine fishes in Iraq represent new geographic records of cucullanids of the subgenus Dichelyne from fishes in marine waters off Iraq.

Bursaphelenchus ogawanus n. sp. isolated from bark material of Fagus japonica Maxim. from Japan

Summary A Bursaphelenchus species belonging to the abietinus group was isolated from a bark sample of Fagus japonica infested by an unidentified Dryocoetes bark beetle. The species is typologically characterised by its two-lined lateral field, mitten-shaped spicule possessing a well-developed and dorsally truncate condylus, narrow triangular rostrum and a distinct cucullus, the presence of seven (P1, P2, P3 papilliform and P5 gland-opening-like) male genital papillae, female vulva with side flap and the long, smoothly tapering and ventrally recurved female tail with strongly ventrally recurved distal part. The species is typologically close to B. irokophilus and B. rainulfi but can be distinguished from these two species by the shape of spicule rostrum, which is narrower in the new species. Phylogenetically, the new species forms a well-supported clade with B. rainulfi but can be distinguished from them by the differences in the SSU and D2-D3 LSU sequences. The new species is described as Bursaphelenchus ogawanus n. sp.