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Description (from Thorne, 1974)
Body
arcuate, especially in posterior third.
Lateral field 1/4 body width. Lip region slightly set off with low but
distinct papillae, similar to that of T. baldus. Spear 12 um long
with aperture occupying 1/3 its length. Basal portion of esophagus
enlarged in posterior 3/7 by gradual expansion. Cardia with prominent
disc, then conoid. Granules of intestine exceedingly fine, distinctly
forming a tesellation of the cells. Prerectum length 4 to 6 times
body diameter. Rectum slightly longer than tail. Vulva transverse
with lightly sclerotized labia. Ovaries reflexed about 1/2 their
length. Two pairs of pores well back on tail.
Thonus elegans is distinctive because of
the long prerectum and low papillae which are scarcely elevated above the
head contour.
Habitat: Dry farm grain field near Huron,
South Dakota.