Gastromermis cordobensis n. sp. (Nematoda: Mermithidae) parasitizing Simulium lahillei Patterson & Shannon (Diptera: Simuliidae) in Argentina

Abstract

Gastromermis cordobensis n. sp. (Nematoda: Mermithidae) a parasite of larvae of the blackfly Simulium lahillei Paterson \& Shannon (Diptera: Simuliidae) in Argentina, is described. Diagnostic characters of this species include a mouth ventrally shifted; six cephalic papillae; eight hypodermal chords; small and pear shaped amphids; a long and S-shaped vagina; a single spicule, which is long, has non-uniform walls, and a tip with sculpture; three rows of genital papillae, the middle one with 18 pre-anal and 10 post-anal papillae, the lateral rows have 36 papillae each; oval eggs; and post-parasitic juveniles with long thin tails. Pre-parasitic and parasitic juveniles are included in the description.