title: Scanning electron microscopy of Turgida turgida (Nematoda: Spiruroidea), parasite of the Virginia opossum, Didelphis virginiana, from southern California.
abstract: Taxonomic characters for identification of Turgida turgida Rudolphi, 1819, a parasitic nematode of the Virginia opossum Didelphis virginiana, were studied by scanning electron microscopy. The distinguishing feature of the cephalic end is the presence of numerous denticles, structures associated with the internal tooth, and 2 spongelike areas on the inner side of each pseudolabia. The posterior end of male T. turgida differs from that in other species of Physalopteridae by the number of caudal papillae (22), truncated postcloacal papilla, and patterns of ventrocaudal ornamentation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology and Center for Inland Waters, San Diego State University, California 92182, USA.
authors.forename: V E
authors.initials: VE
authors.lastname: Matey
authors.forename: B I
authors.initials: BI
authors.lastname: Kuperman
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Kinsella
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002140:California; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D009348:Nematoda / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D009349:Nematode Infections / Q000469:parasitology / Q000662:veterinary; D009893:Opossums / Q000469:parasitology*