On the Morphology of Penjatinema Natalense N.Gen., N.Sp., With Proposal of a New Subfamily, Penjatinematinae (Rhabditida: Cephalobidae)

Abstract

Penjatinema natalense n.gen., n.sp. is described from coastal dune sands in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The new species differs from all other Cephaloboidea in having a conspicuously striated cuticle with pronounced longitudinal ridges, and in the absence of lateral lines or incisures. It agrees with Cephalobidae in head structure and the possession of labial probolae, as well as in the structure of the reproductive system. A new subfamily, Penjatinematinae, is proposed to accommodate this remarkable nematode.