(Description- Thorne, 1974)
1.2mm; a = 26; b = 4.6; c = 69; V = 58
Body almost straight when relaxed. Subcuticle strongly striated
with many areas separated and forming clear areas in body cavity.
Lateral fields about 1/2 body width with conspicuous row of pores.
Lip region set off by depression with low, obscure papillae. Oral
opening sclerotized with arch shaped spear guiding ring. Spear exceedingly
slender with aperture and lumen difficult to observe. Junction of
spear extensions and esophageal lumen not definitely determined.
Anterior esophagus a slender tube with a fusiform basal enlargement about
1 1/2 times as long as body width. Cardia conoid. Intestinal
cells with coarse dark brown granules which frequently form a tesellated
pattern. Prerectum length 2-3 times body width. Vulva transverse.
Ovaries reflexed 2/3 way back to vulva. Eggs about twice as long
as body diameter. Spermatozoa present in uterine tract but males
not collected.
Leptonchus microdens is immediately distinguished by the exceedingly
small, slender spear, short prerectum and bisexuality.
Habitat: Wheat and barley plots, Experiment Station, Watertown,
South Dakota.