Nagelus leptus
(Allen, 1955) Siddiqi, 1979
syn.: Tylenchorhynchus leptus Allen, 1955
Photo Gallery- Trail Ridge Road, RMNP
SEM Photos


Dimensions.- 14 females L = 0.64-0.96 mm; a = 26-34; b = 4.5-5.7; c = 11-12; V = 51-56 Stylet 23-27um long
Female (holotype).- L = 0.72 mm. a = 30; b = 4.8; c = 11; V = 55
Body cylindrical, tapering markedly at both ends, assuming an open C shape when relaxed by gentle heat.  Lip region hemispherical, set off from body contour by slight depression, bearing 9 fine annules.  Labial framework lightly sclerotized.  Stylet well developed, 25 um long. Spear knobs large, rounded.  Orifice of dorsal esophageal gland 2.5 um behind spear base.  Median esophageal bulb elongate-hemispherical.  Excretory pore opens midway between nerve ring and anterior margin of posterior esophageal bulb. Deirids prominent, easily visible.  Esophageal-intestinal valve hemispherical.  Spermatheca or spermatozoa not seen.  Tail subcylindrical, tapering.  Length of tail 3X anal body diameter.  Annulation of cuticle extends around terminus of tail.  Cuticle finely striated.  Lateral field with 6 incisures.  Phasmids conspicuous, opening slightly anterior to middle of tail.
Male.- not known.
Holotype.- Female collected September 13, 1947 by D. J. Raski, catalogue no. 57, University of California Nematode Survey Collection.
Paratypes.- Five females, same data as holotype.
Type host.- Moss and lichens.
Type locality.- Trail Ridge, Colorado, at elevation of 12,000 ft.

Tylenchorhynchus leptus can be separated from related species by the set-off lip region that bears eight annules, the characteristic open C shape of relaxed specimens, and the shape of the tail.  This species resembles obscurus, from which it differs in the shape and annulation of the lip region and the relative mass of the spear.

(Description- Allen, 1955)

DNA Sequences Obtained
Specimen: Collected:
RMNP-Trailridge Rd Trail ridge Rd., Rocky Mountain Nat'l Park