Plectus cirratus Bastian, 1865

Thorne, Gerald, 1929, Nematodes from the Summit of Long's Peak, Colorado, Transactions of the American Microscopical Society 48 (2), pp. 181-181 : 193-194

Plectus cirratus Bastian, 1865 .

The females of this species correspond very closely to deMan’s description of Plectus cirratus and have been identified by Dr. Cobb and Dr. Steiner as being that species. However the rare males that occur in the Western states differ greatly from the single specimen collected by deMan but the writer feels that too much importance should not be attached to these occasional, aberrant forms.

Lip region distinctly set off. Four short, stout setae. Cutinous framework about the vestibule leading to the pharynx. Amphids with sensilla pouches located near the base of the pharynx. Front ovary on the right, the rear on the left side of the body. Several setae on the tail not shown by deMan but figured by Cobb. ( 4).

The tail of the male bears a small acute, elevated ventral organ just on front of the anus and anterior to this is a series of four to six ventral supplements with long tube-like extensions reaching far back into the body, passing between the testes. These organs are very similar to those of the males of Plectus granulosus . There are two testes, the anterior ends being reflexed a distance equal to three times the body width.

About fifty females and one male in this collection. Fig. 16 a, x1000. 16b x 200.

Figures

Plectus cirratus