Aporcelaimellus conoidus
Thorne, 1974
Photo Gallery-Konza Prairie
Photo Gallery-Homestead Prairie

Measurements (from Thorne, 1974)
L = 1.5-2.0 mm; a = 28; b = 3.8; c = 50; V = 52

Description (from Thorne, 1974)
    Body slightly arcuate with lip region 1/4 width of neck base.  Lateral field a single line of cells 1/5 body width.  Numerous ventral pores present.  Cuticle near head very thick as far back as opposite spear base.  Lip region set off by constriction.  The lips angular with conspicuous papillae.  Spear about 24 um long with aperture occupying half its length.  Guiding ring a muscular collar about 1/3 head width. Esophagus enlarged near middle by a gradual expansion.  Dorsal esophageal gland nucleus about two body widths posterior to expansion, the remaining nuclei not visible in the massive musculature.  Cardia discoid, then conoid, frequently a small gland associated with it.  A hyaline glandular body often crowding anterior end of intestine.  Intestinal cells packed with fine, dark brown granules.  Prerectum length  two to three times body width.  Rectum slightly longer than tail.  In some specimens prerectum appears to extend into tail cavity.  Vulva transverse with sclerotized labia of typical form.  Ovaries reflexed 3/4 distance back to vulva.  Eggs 3 times as long as body width. Tail bluntly conoid to rounded terminus.
    Aporcelaimellus conoidus is immediately distinguished by its size, relatively short portion of cuticle thickened near head, length of spear aperture and regular form of tail core.  Males unknown.
    Habitat: Generally distributed throughout the Northern Great Plains in both cultivated and virgin soils.

DNA Sequences Obtained
Specimen: Collected:
KonzaIV AA-15 Konza Prairie, First survey