Description and developmental biology of Teratorhabditis andrassyi n. sp. (nematoda : Rhabditida)

Abstract

Teratorhabditis andrassyi n. sp. has 58-77 p.m long spicules fused at lips and bursal papillae arranged as 2 + 4 + 1 + 3. It is closely related to T. mariannae Farkas, 1973 and T. rovinjensis (Sudhaus, 1974) Andrassy, 1983 but differs from both in the length of spicules, the extent of their fusion and in the arrangement of bursal papillae. T. andrassyi n. sp. is amphimictic with a high reproductive potential. Fertilization is internal with external embryonic development. The lime taken from egg laying to hatching varies from 12-14 h at 29-30". Juvenile stages show a high degree of variability in body lengths. Ratios a, b, and c are not significant for their differentiation but the number of genital primordial nuclei along with some allometric ratios (body length anus position from anterior end; tail length/position of primordium from anterior end and tail length/anus position) are important. Primordial nuclei multiply even during active stages besides the moulting. The flexure in gonad is formed at the time of the fourth or final moulting in females but at the third moulting in males. Total duration of life cycle is only 3-4 days at 29-30".