Lordellonema parvum
Thorne, 1974
1.3 mm; a = 27; b = 3.9; c = 52; V = 59
1.3 mm; a = 26; b = 4.3; c = 52; T = ?
Body practically straight when relaxed. Lateral field 1/4 body
width with about 30 glandular bodies from which minute pores arise.
A comparable number occur ventrally. Lip region angular, set off
by constriction and expansion. Spear 15u long, its aperture
occupying 1/3 to 1/2 the length. Esophagus enlarged near middle by
gradual expansion. Cardia elongate conoid, about 1/2 as long as body
width. Intestinal cells packed with fine, light brown granules.
Lumen broad and frequently contains green, chlorophyll-like, or dark brown
to black material apparently ingested as food. Vulva a tiny open
pit or with 4 lip-like, unsymmetrical labia surrounded by many radial muscles.
Cross section of vagina a transverse slit. Ventral pores usually
located near the vulva. Ovaries variable in length especially when
eggs are present, reflexed about 1/2 their length. Eggs average about
35-85u. Prerectum about 3 times body width. Tail elongate
hemispheroid with two pairs of conspicuous papillae. A single male
found but gravid females contained no sperms. This male bore 14 low,
inconspicuous supplements beginning half a body width anterior to spicula
and occupying a space of about 2 body widths. Spicula arcuate with
strong ventral angle. Testes could not be seen.
Habitat: Frequently collected from native grass sod and
cultivated fields near Trinidad, Colorado; Brookings, Emmig, and Herrick,
South Dakota; Fargo, North Dakota; Elizabeth, Minnesota; and Glendive,
Montana.
(Description- Thorne, 1974)
DNA Sequences Obtained
