Merlinius affinis
(Allen, 1955) Siddiqi, 1970
| Syn.: |
Tylenchorhynchus affinis Allen, 1955
Nagelus affinis (Allen 1955) Siddiqi, 1979 |
Dimensions.- 6 females L = 0.8 - 0.9 mm a = 30 - 33
b = 4.2 - 5.0 c = 14 - 15 V = 55 - 58 Stylet 26 - 27
u long
Female (holotype). L = 0.86 mm a = 33 b = 4.7
c = 15 V = 55
Body cylindrical, tapering at both ends. Lip region conoid-obtuse,
continuous with body contour, bearing 8 annules. Labial framework
heavily sclerotized. Stylet massive, 27 u long, with large
rounded knobs. Orifice of dorsal esophageal gland 2.5 u behind
spear base. Excretory pore opens just behind nerve ring. Spermatheca
containing spermatozoa present. Tail subcylindrical, with terminus
bluntly rounded, not annulated. Cuticle coarsely striated.
Lateral field with 6 incisures. Phasmids prominent, opening at middle
of tail.
Male (allotype). L = 0.96 mm a = 34 b = 5.2 c = 12
Stylet 25.6 u long.
Similar to female. Bursa envelops tail. Spicules tylenchoid.
Gubernaculum simple, curved.
Type host. Soil around roots of Arctostaphylos sp.
Type locality. Willets, California.
Tylenchorhynchus affinis can be distinguished by the six incisures
in the lateral field, the continuous lip region, and the heavily sclerotized
labial framework. This species can be separated from brachycephalus
by the shape of the tail and the length of the spear. It differs
from brevidens in having a longer spear and heavier labial sclerotization.
(Description- Allen, 1955)
