Paulodora porcellus, Artois, Tom J. & Tessens, Bart S., 2008

Artois, Tom J. & Tessens, Bart S., 2008, Polycystididae (Rhabditophora: Rhabdocoela: Kalyptorhynchia) from the Indian Ocean, with the description of twelve new species, Zootaxa 1849, pp. 1-27 : 15

Paulodora porcellus n. sp.

( Figs 3 H, 4H)

Localities in the Indian Ocean. Zanzibar Island ( Tanzania), beach near the Mbweni Ruins Hotel, south of the creek, in a higher part of a sand flat with relatively coarse sand (11/08/1995) (type locality).

Material. One animal studied alive and mounted, designated holotype ( SMNH, no. 7448).

Etymology. The stylet has the shape of a pig’s tail. Porcellus (Lat.) : little pig, piglet.

Description. Habitus and the internal organisation as studied on the living animal are comparable to that of P. c o n t o r t a (see Schockaert & Karling 1975).

The prostate stylet type I is slender with a straight proximal part and a distal curled part, which has the shape of a pig’s tail. It is 114 µm long. The inner stylet can be followed almost throughout the entire length of the outer stylet. About in the middle of the straight proximal part, the outer stylet forms a fold that lies very close to the stylet. The bursal stalk is long and narrow.

The ovaries are more or less globular. The oviducts are swollen and contain sperm.

Diagnosis. Species of Paulodora with the prostate stylet type I ca 114 µm long, with a straight proximal part and a distal part that is curled. Outer stylet proximally forming a fold that lies close to the stylet proper. Bursal stalk long and narrow. Ovaries globular. Seminal receptacles absent.

Discussion. See the discussion of P. w a t s o n i n. sp.

Figures

FIGURE 3. Paulodora ancora n. sp. A, Prostate stylet type I (from the holotype). P. contortoides n. sp. B, Caudal body end (from a live specimen). C, Reconstruction of the atrial organs from the left side. D, Prostate stylet type I (from the holotype). E, Prostate stylet type I (from a specimen from La Réuniuon). P. drepanophora n. sp. F, Prostate stylet type I (from the holotype). P. h a m i f e r n. sp. G, Prostate stylet type I (from the holotype). P. porcellus n. sp. H, Prostate stylet type I (from the holotype).