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Issue: Vol. 5716 No. 4: 3 Nov. 2025
Type: Article
Published: 2025-11-03
DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5716.4.2
Page range: 483-513
Abstract views: 43
PDF downloaded: 1

New findings on Rhynchonema Cobb, 1920 (Nematoda: Monhysterida): description of three new species from Brazil and illustrated key to the genus

Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Avenida Professor Moraes Rego, s/n, Departamento Zoologia, Cidade Universitária, Recife, Pernambuco 50670-901. Brazil
Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Avenida Professor Moraes Rego, s/n, Departamento Zoologia, Cidade Universitária, Recife, Pernambuco 50670-901. Brazil
Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Avenida Professor Moraes Rego, s/n, Departamento Zoologia, Cidade Universitária, Recife, Pernambuco 50670-901. Brazil
Nematoda Nematode Continental shelf Xyalidae Potiguar Basin Taxonomy

Abstract

Three new species of the genus Rhynchonema Cobb, 1920 are described from sediment samples collected in the Potiguar Basin, Brazil. Rhynchonema brasiliensis sp. nov., is characterized by a circular amphideal fovea, located on an amphideal plate (wider cuticle annules which accommodate the entire fovea), short spicules, almost without curvature, gubernaculum with elongated dorsal apophysis and three precloacal supplements. Females are similar to males and have a vagina with visible sclerotization. Rhynchonema nordestinum sp. nov., has an oval amphideal fovea, robust and slightly curved spicules, and a gubernaculum with a dorsal apophysis. Rhynchonema parvum sp. nov., has a small and circular amphideal fovea, the smallest within the genus, thin and curved spicules, gubernaculum with a poorly developed dorsal apophysis. Rhynchonema species were separated into groups. These groupings were designated based on the morphological and morphometric characteristics considered most relevant for specific identification and they are presented as an illustrated key. The presence of an amphideal plate, the shape and size of the fovea, as well as the morphology of the males’ copulatory structures are examples of the characteristics used to establish groups of species. The diagnostic characteristics of all species were considered and used in the preparation of a comparative table.

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How to Cite

Mota, J.T., Neres, P.F. & Esteves, A.M. (2025) New findings on Rhynchonema Cobb, 1920 (Nematoda: Monhysterida): description of three new species from Brazil and illustrated key to the genus. Zootaxa, 5716 (4), 483–513. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5716.4.2