Two new species of Chronogaster Cobb (nematoda: Araeolaimida)

Abstract

Chronogaster sclerostoma sp. n. from banana soil near Karachi. Pakistan and C. neoparva sp. n. from soil around roots of Patisola sp. in Korup National Park, Cameroon are described and illustrated. C sclerostoma is characterised by large-sized (1.0-1.1 mm) body having crystalloids, expanded sclerotized cheilostom and long conoid tail with a single terminal spine. C neoparva sp. n. has 0.44-0.49 mm long body, cephalic setae indistinct, 3-4 urn long. vulva at 44.1-46.4 percent of body length and a filiform, 129-158 µm long tail. It resembles C. parva in most morphomelric details but can be distinguished from it in the absence of glandular bodies, smaller "V and 'c' values and a longer tail devoid of a mucro. Males were not found for both new species.