A scanning electron microscopic study of eggshell surface topography of Wetanema hula (Nematoda: Oxyuridomorpha: Thelastomatoidea)

ABSTRACT

The eggs of Wetanema hula, were studied with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Numerous pores were observed across the entire eggshell surface, making a regular pattern. The shape and diameter of the pores were not uniform, and no signs of an operculum were observed. The eggs of W. hula are most similar in surface topography to those of Blatticola blattae. Uterine eggs of W. hula differ from those of W. ripariae in having a larger width and less pronounced flattening on one side.

KEYWORDS:

• Eggshell
• Nematoda
• Oxyuridomorpha
• SEM
• Thelastomatoidea
• Wetanema

Acknowledgements

This study was conducted using Joint Usage Centre «Instrumental methods in ecology» Institute of Ecology and Evolution of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IEE RAS). Author is grateful to Anna Neretina for technical assistance with the scanning electron microscope; to Dr E. A. Sokolova from the Laboratory of Taxonomy and Evolution of Parasites (IEE RAS) for discussion and for reading the paper; and to the curator of the National Nematode Collection New Zealand (NNCNZ) Dr Zeng Zhao, for access to work with the type material. The research was funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment through Strategic Science Investment Funding for Nationally Significant Collections and Databases.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).