Akrotonus vigor
Thorne, 1974
Photo Gallery- Konza Prairie

2.0 mm; a = 34; b = 3.4; c = 80.0; V = 56
2.3 mm; a - 38; b = 3.7; c = 71; T = 56
     Characters of the genus.  Cuticle marked by fine transverse striae. Lip region 1/3 width of neck base.   Basal portion of esophagus with dense, muscular tissues, completely obscuring all 4 submedian gland nuclei.  Lateral field at first narrow with 6 pores to a point opposite middle of esophagus, then expanding to half body width.  Row of indistinct pores along ventral side of lateral field and a few scattered ones on dorsal side.  Ventromedian series of about 30 pores a prominent feature.  Vulva a transverse slit with muscular labia.  Vagina 2/5 body width. Ovaries reflexed almost to vulva.  Sperms not observed in uteri but may have been hidden by dense body tissues.  Prerectum length 4-5 times body width.  Male slightly arcuate in posterior portion with well developed testes containing masses of sperms.
     Akrotonus is probably most closely related to Makatinus Heyns, 1965 from which it differs in cuticle type, transverse vulva, almost straight spicula and few supplements.
     Habitat:  Native pasture, Cottonwood Experiment Station, South Dakota.

DNA sequences obtained
Specimen: Collected:
Konza IIAC-31 Konza Prairie, first survey
KonzaIII CD-17 Konza Prairie, first survey