Aporcelaimus elegans
Thorne, 1974
7.5-8.2 mm; a = 65-82; b = 5.7-6.2; c = 95-110; V = 52
7.5-9.3 mm; a= 68-85; b = 5.2-7.2; c = 130-158; T = 45-60
Body cylindroid
except at extremities. Cuticle marked by conspicuous criss-cross
fibers. Prominent lateral pores in single line except on tail.
A few dorsal and ventral pores anteriorly. Lip
region set off by constriction with usual 6 and 10 prominent papillae.
Amphids with median reinforcing piece. Spear 18-20u long,
with aperture occupying about 2/3 its length. Posterior 5/7 of esophagus
enlarged. Prominent cardiac disc present, with bluntly conoid
cardia. Intestine packed with fine bright brown granules.
Vulva with refractive labia. Prerectum length 3-4 times body width.
Male similar to female in size. Supplements 9-16, low, broadly
flattened. Spicula thick, blunt without ventral angle. Gubernaculum
40-45u long with square or angled terminus.
Aporcelaimus elegans is distinctive because of its large size,
thick blunt spicula and long guiding pieces.
Distribution: Occurs in small numbers throughout North
and South Dakota and western Minnesota.
(Description- Thorne, 1974)
