Morphological and molecular characterization of Aporcelinus abeokutaensis sp. n. (Dorylaimida, Aporcelaimidae) from Nigeria

Abstract

A new species of dorylaimid nematode, Aporcelinus abeokutaensis sp. n., collected from a watermelon field in Nigeria, is described, illustrated and molecularly (D2-D3 28S ribosomal DNA) studied. It is characterized by its 1.18-1.52-mm-long body, lip region offset by weak constriction, 15.5-17.5 μm broad with perioral liplets, odontostyle 18-21.5 μm long at its dorsal side or 1.1-1.3 times the lip region diameter, neck 333-401 μm long, pharyngeal expansion occupying 45-51% of total neck length, uterus simple and 0.7-1.5 times the corresponding body diameter long, V = 48-53, tail conical with finely rounded tip (33-52 μm long, c = 26-41, c' = 1.3-1.9) and a variably distinct dorsal concavity, and male unknown. Molecular analysis reveals that the new species grouped with other species of Aporcelinus in a highly supported clade, confirming the monophyly of the genus.

Keywords: Description; morphology; phylogeny; rDNA; sequences.