An unusual cyst nematode from New Zealand, Paradolichodera tenuissima gen. n., sp. n. (Tylenchida: Heteroderidae)

A new genus, Paradolichodera gen. n., is proposed for a heteroderid species parasitising the rush Eleocharis gracilis on the banks of a lagoon near Christchurch, New Zealand. The slender body of the second-stage juveniles (a = 61-79) makes the type species, P. tenuissima sp. n., unique among known Heteroderidae species. The females weakly tan after death and retain eggs. The cysts are elongate-ovoid with rounded posterior end, a circumfenestral vulva area in terminal position, an indistinct anus and a cuticle with faint striation anteriorly and punctations posteriorly. The male body is not twisted, a cloacal tube is present and phasmids are lacking. Morphologically, the new genus is closest to Dolichodera in the subfamily Punctoderinae. A phylogenetic analysis of the ITS1-rRNA sequence of P. tenuissima sp. n. shows a close relationship to Punctodera and Globodera.

Affiliations: 1: Arnethstr. 13D, 48159 Münster, Germany; formerly Biologische Bundesanstalt für Land-und Forstwirtschaft, Institut für Nematologie und Wirbeltierkunde, 48161 Münster, Germany; 2: Chessell Drive, Duncraig 6023, Perth, Western Australia; formerly Landcare Research, Auckland, New Zealand; 3: Plant Pest Diagnostic Center, California Department of Food and Agriculture, 3294 Meadowview Road, Sacramento, CA 95832-1448, USA; Department of Nematology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92531, USA