Anatomical adaptation to haplodiploidy in the Oxyuroid (Nematoda) Desmicola skrjabini n. sp. from a diplopod in Gabon.
Desmicola skrjabini n. sp. (Oxyuroidea; Nematoda) is described on the basis of female morphology from the hind-gut of Pachybolus sp. ( Pachybolidae ; Spirobolida ; Diplopoda ) from Gabon. The new species differs from the type and only other species in lacking interlabial formations and obvious cephalic papillae, and in having what appear in apical view as finger-like cuticular ornamentations on the anterior surface of the lips. D. skrjabini is didelphic and a seminal receptacle is present in only one branch of the reproductive tract. In oxyuroids , males develop from unfertilized eggs whereas females develop from fertilized eggs. It is suggested that the curious reproductive anatomy of Desmicola ensures production of eggs of both types and therefore offspring of both sexes.
D000220:Adaptation, Biological; D000818:Animals; D001181:Arthropods / Q000469:parasitology; D004171:Diploidy; D005306:Fertilization; D005681:Gabon; D006238:Haploidy; D010124:Oxyuroidea / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology*