Description and Molecular Differentiation of a New Skrjabinoptera (Nematode: Physalopteridae) from Eutropis macularia (Sauria: Scincidae) in North-Central Vietnam

Abstract

Skrjabinoptera vietnamensis n. sp. is described from specimens recovered from the stomach of Eutropis macularia in north-central Vietnam. The new species is characterized by the medium-sized male worms (6.7-8.7 mm in length and 154-182 μm in width) relative to known members of the genus, 2 pointed spicules of unequal length (87-112 μm and 56-72 μm in length), and 10 pairs of caudal papillae. Female worms are larger than male worms (10.7-18.4 mm in length and 264-411 μm in width), with the vulva situated in the anterior part, and embryonated, elliptical eggs, 35-46 μm long by 20-24 μm wide. Skrjabinoptera vietnamensis n. sp. represents the ninth species assigned to the genus and the first species recorded from the Oriental region. Partial sequences of the 18S ribosomal RNA gene (rDNA), and cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) are provided for the new species. The molecular phylogenetic position of the genus Skrjabinoptera is briefly discussed.

Keywords: Eutropis macularia; Skrjabinoptera vietnamensis n. sp.; Sauria; Scincidae; Vietnam.