Some observations on the genus paraxonchium (Dorylaimida) with description of a new species from Manipur, India

Abstract

The systematic position of the genus Paraxonchium Krall, 1958 is discussed. Paraxonchinae n. subfam. is proposed under the family Qudsianematidae Jairajpuri, 1965 for this genus. Members of this genus have a typical robust body which is extremely narrow in the fore-part; the odontostyle is usually somewhat bent and asymmetrical; the odontophore is simple but unusually long; the cardia has three distinct gland ce1ls. Paraxonchium parvus sp. n. from Manipur, India has 0.59-0.81 mm long body and resembles P. shamimi and P. rhamphionus, differing from both in the shape of odontostyle, presence of guiding ring and a dorsally recurved elongate conoid tail. A key to the species of Paraxonchium is given.