Search

En esta contribución se presenta una recopilación de las especies ibéricas de nematodos de suelo y de agua dulce, la primera de este tipo realizada hasta el momento. El inventario actual lo componen 981 especies de 236 géneros, 77 familias y 12 órdenes. Los datos correspondiente a la fauna ibérica de nematodos se compara con la de otros táxones de la biota ibérica. Se analizan y se discuten distintos aspectos cuantitativos y cualitativos de la fauna nematológica, con especial énfasis en el tipo de información disponible sobre cada especie, y se concluye que casi una tercera parte de las especies ibéricas permanecen insuficientemente caracterizadas, razón por la cual requieren de estudios adicionales. La endemicidad de las especies es así mismo objeto de atención: 143 especies, un 14.6% del total están restringidas en su distribución al ámbito ibérico, en su mayor parte pertenecientes a los órdenes Dorylaimida (87) y Tylenchida (29), por otra parte los más diversificados de entre los pertenecientes al filo. El interés básico y aplicado del conocimiento de la fauna de nematodos es comentado e ilustrado con aportaciones recientes y ejemplos. Por último, se presenta una lista de todas las especies de la fauna ibérica, ordenadas alfabéticamente por su epíteto específico.

Abstract The ring nematode genus Xenocriconemella De Grisse and Loof, 1965 comprises only one nominal species, Xenocriconemella macrodora (Taylor, 1936) De Grisse and Loof, 1965. The initial objective of the present study was to investigate the morphological–morphometric and molecular diversity of 28 X. macrodora populations in the Iberian Peninsula associated with tree forests (mainly Quercus spp.). However, a detailed integrative taxonomic analysis (morphological–morphometric and molecular data) from each population and analysis of this data using principal component analysis (PCA) for morphometric data (including these 28 populations and other 25 X. macrodora populations around the world) and molecular and phylogenetic species delimitation methods revealed that X. macrodora forms a species complex. This species complex is composed by species that are morphometricly and morphologically similar, but clearly different at the molecular level. Three new species are described applying integrative taxonomy, namely as Xenocriconemella iberica sp. nov., Xenocriconemella paraiberica sp. nov. and Xenocriconemella pradense sp. nov. However, the molecular diversity of this species in USA and Italy confirmed that additional species are likely present in this species complex, and the diversity of this group may be higher than expected. The study of X. macrodora topotypes can clarify the position of this species using molecular markers under an integrative approach.

Parasitic nematodes of millipedes from Nigeria are molecularly characterized for the first time. During nematode surveys on live giant African millipedes from several localities in Nigeria, 4 species of rhigonematids were identified by application of integrative taxonomical approaches (morpho-anatomy and molecular markers), including Brumptaemilius sp., Gilsonema gabonensis , Obainia pachnephorus , and Rhigonema disparovis. The results of morphometric and molecular analyses of D2-D3 28S, ITS, partial 18S rRNA, and cytochrome oxidase c subunit 1 (COI) gene sequences further characterized the rhigonematid species, and clearly separated them from other related species. Phylogenetic relationships based on 28S and 18S rRNA genes suggest that genera within Ransomnematoidea ( Ransomnema , Heth , Carnoya , Brumptaemilius , Cattiena , Insulanema , Gilsonema ) and Rhigonematoidea ( Rhigonema , Obainia , Xystrognathus , Trachyglossoides , Ichthyocephaloides ) clustered rather closer than could be expected in view of their morphological differences. Phylogenetic relationships based on ITS and COI are congruent with those of other ribosomal genes; however, they are not conclusive due to the scarcity of available sequences of these genes for these genera in NCBI.

Ring nematodes are obligate ectoparasites on crops and natural herbaceous and woody plants, and some species are of economic importance and cause damage to roots of several crops. Recent integrative taxonomical analyses recognized the existence of two cryptic species within the Criconema annuliferum morphotype in Spain. In this study, we corroborated that morphometric, morphological and a multi-locus analysis (including the ribosomal markers D2-D3 expansion segments of 28S rRNA, ITS rRNA, 18S RNA, and the mitochondrial DNA cytochrome oxidase I gene) identified a new lineage clearly separated from C. annuliferum , C. paraannuliferum and C. plesioannuliferum . The new lineage was described herein as Criconema pseudoannuliferum sp. nov., confirming that C. annuliferum species complex species complex comprises a hyper-cryptic species complex. This research analysed soil samples from the rhizosphere of maritime pine ( Pinus pinaster Ait.) forests in Bermeja-Crestellina Mountain, located at the western part of Málaga province, southern Spain. The integrative taxonomical analyses revealed the occurrence of a new cryptic species identified using females, males and juveniles with detailed morphology, morphometry and molecular markers, described herein as Criconema pseudoannuliferum sp. nov. All molecular markers (D2-D3, ITS, 18S and COI) were obtained from the same individual that was also used for morphological and morphometric analyses. This research demonstrated the hidden diversity within the C. annuliferum species complex species complex can reach to four lineages under ribosomal and mitochondrial gene markers for one morphospecies group, which includes four species, viz. C. annuliferum , C. paraannuliferum , C. plesioannuliferum , and C. pseudoannuliferum sp. nov. Criconema pseudoannuliferum sp. nov. was detected in moderate soil density in two maritime pine forests (5 and 25 nematodes/500 cm 3 of soil) suggesting that does not cause damage to maritime pine.

Habitat loss is one of the main threats to species survival and, in the case of parasites, it is their hosts that provide their habitat. Therefore, extinction even at local scale of host taxa also implies the extinction of their parasites in a process known as co-extinction. This is the case of the bearded vulture (Gypaetus barbatus), which almost became extinct at the beginning of the twentieth century. After several attempts, this species was successfully reintroduced into the Alps at the end of the twentieth century. We collected 25 lice specimens from an electrocuted bearded vulture from Susa (Italian Alps) that were morphologically identified as Degeeriella punctifer. Six individuals were studied by scanning electron microscopy, with particular emphasis on their cephalic sensorial structures, while four further specimens were characterized at molecular level by amplifying partial regions of the 12SrRNA, COX1 and elongation factor 1 alpha (EF-1) genes. From a morphological perspective, the number, type and arrangement of the sensillae on the two distal antennal segments is quite similar to that of other species of the family Philopteridae (Phthiraptera: Ischnocera). The mandibles and tarsal claws allow lice to cling firmly to their host's feathers. Phylogenetic analyses help unravel the paraphyletic nature of the genus Degeeriella and demonstrate the clear differentiation between lice parasitizing Accipitriformes and Falconiformes, as well as the close relationship between D. punctifer, D. fulva, D. nisus and Capraiella sp. that, along with other genera, parasitize rollers (Aves: Coraciiformes)., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Paratylenchus species are obligate ectoparasitic nematodes on cultivated and wild herbaceous and woody plants occupying numerous soil categories. Several species may cause damage to several crops ( viz . P. dianthus , P. enigmaticus , P. microdorus , P. hamatus and P. epacris on carnation, lettuce, rose and walnut, respectively). This investigation proves and emphasizes the relevance of applying integrative taxonomy for the accurate detection of Paratylenchus species in mountainous wild environments in the Malaga province, Southern Spain. This research analyzed 45 soil samples of maritimus pine and one of green heather in southern Spain and identified fourteen Paratylenchus species, two of them are described herein as new species ( P. paraaonli sp. nov., P. plesiostraeleni sp. nov.), six of them were first reports for Spain ( P. canchicus , P. nainianus , P. neonanus , P. salubris , Paratylenchus sp. 2 SAS, and P. wuae ), and six species ( P. caravaquenus , P. microdorus , P. nanus , P. neoamblycephalus , P. sheri , and P. variabilis ) have been already reported in Spain. Accordingly, these data increase the biodiversity of pin nematodes in Spain comprising a total of 47 species (33.1% out of 142 total species of this genus). Phylogenetic analyses based on ribosomal and mitochondrial markers (D2-D3, ITS, and partial COI) resulted in a consistent position for the newly described Paratylenchus species in this study ( P. plesiostraeleni sp. nov., P. paraaonli sp. nov.). Paratylenchus plesiostraeleni sp. nov. grouped in a separated subclade as unequivocal species from the P. straeleni -complex species (including P. straeleni and P. parastraeleni ), and P. paraaonli sp. nov. clustered with P. vitecus , but clearly separate from this species. This study indicates that Paratylenchus species diversity in natural environments may be higher than expected, and this study may help in accurate identifications.

Ring nematodes are obligate ectoparasites on cultivated and wild herbaceous and woody plants, inhabiting many types of soil, but particularly sandy soils. This study explored the morphometrical and molecular diversity of ring nematodes resembling Criconema annuliferum in 222 soil samples from fruit crops in Spain, including almond, apricot, peach and plum, as well as populations from cultivated and wild olives, and common yew. Ring nematodes of the genus Criconema were detected in 12 samples from under Prunus spp. (5.5%), showing a low to moderate nematode soil densities in several localities from southeastern and northeastern Spain. The soil population densities of Criconema associated with Prunus spp. ranged from 1 nematode/500 cm 3 of soil in apricot at Sástago (Zaragoza province) to 7950 and 42,491 nematodes/500 cm 3 of soil in peach at Ricla and Calasparra (Murcia province), respectively. The integrative taxonomical analyses reveal the presence of two cryptic species identified using females, males (when available), and juveniles with detailed morphology, morphometry, and molecular markers (D2-D3, ITS, 18S, and COI), described herein as Criconema paraannuliferum sp. nov. and Criconema plesioannuliferum sp. nov. All molecular markers from each species were obtained from the same individuals, and these individuals were also used for morphological and morphometric analyses. Criconema paraannuliferum sp. nov. was found in a high soil density in two peach fields (7950 and 42,491 nematodes/500 cm 3 of soil) showing the possibility of being pathogenic in some circumstances.

During nematode surveys in natural vegetation in Sierra Mágina, Jaén province, southern Spain, a Longidorus species closely resembling Longidorus carpetanensis was found, but application of integrative taxonomic approaches clearly demonstrated that it is a new species described herein as Longidorus maginicus n. sp. The new species is amphimictic, characterized by a moderately long body (4.2-5.2 mm); lip region anteriorly flattened, slightly separated from the rest of body by a depression, 9.0-11.0 μm wide and 3.5-6.0 μm high; amphidial fovea not lobed; relatively short odontostyle (61.0-70.5 μm); guiding ring located 23.5-27.0 μm from anterior end; vulva located at 42.0%-51.3% of body length; female tail 39.0-61.0 μm long, conoid, dorsally convex with rounded terminus ( c ' = 1.3-2.1), with two or three pairs of caudal pores; and males common (1:2 ratio males:females), with moderately long spicules (39.0-48.5 μm) and 1 + 6-9 ventromedian supplements and three juvenile developmental stages. According to the polytomous key, codes for the new species are (codes in parentheses are exceptions): A2-B1-C2-D2-E1-F2(3)-G2-H5(4)-I2-J1-K6. The results of molecular analysis of D2-D3 28S, internal transcribed spacer region, partial 18S rDNA, and cytochrome oxidase c subunit 1 ( coxI ) gene sequences further characterized the new species status, and separated it from L. carpetanensis and other related species.

Here, we describe under scanning electron microscopy (SEM) the morphology of Colpocephalum pectinatum (Phthiraptera, Menoponidae), an ectoparasite found in burrowing owls, Athene cunicularia. We devote particular attention to the morphology of the main structures of the head (antennae and mouth-parts) and legs (tarsi and femoral ctenidia). Moreover, we describe the main peripheral sensory organs, located in the labial palpi and the distal end of antennae. We also detected that the structure of antennae and antennal sensilla arrangement are very similar to that described for other Colpocephalum and Menoponid species, and we discuss the function of each type of sensilla. We suggest that SEM studies combined with other microscopy and physiological techniques could be useful for elucidate the function of each structure, lice behaviour, as well as their taxonomy., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Root-lesion nematode species rank third only to root-knot and cyst nematodes as having the greatest economic impact on crops worldwide. A survey of plant-parasitic nematodes associated with decaying raspberries ( Rubus sp.) in northern Italy revealed that root-lesion nematodes were the most frequently occurring species among other phytonematodes. Several Pratylenchus species have been associated with Rubus sp. in Canada (Quebec, British Columbia) and USA (North Carolina, Maryland, New Jersey) including P. penetrans and P. crenatus. In the roots and rhizosphere of symptomatic raspberries, nematodes of two Pratylenchus spp. were detected. Detailed morphometrics of the two root-lesion nematode isolates were consistent with Pratylenchus crenatus and with an undescribed Pratylenchus species. The extracted nematodes were observed and measured as live and fixed materials and subsequently identified by integrative taxonomy (morphometrically and molecularly). The latter species is described herein as Pratylenchus vovlasi sp. nov., resulting morphometrically closest to P. mediterraneus and phylogenetically to P. pratensis . The molecular identification of Pratylenchus vovlasi sp. nov. was carried out by sequencing the ITS region, D2-D3 expansion domains of the 28S rRNA gene and a partial region of the nuclear hsp90 gene. ITS-RFLP and sequence analyses revealed that Pratylenchus vovlasi sp. nov. had species-specific restriction profiles with no corresponding sequences present in the database. The phylogenetic relationships with ITS and D2-D3 sequences placed the Pratylenchus vovlasi sp. nov. in a clade with P. pratensis and P. pseudopratensis . This research confirms the occurrence of cryptic biodiversity within the genus Pratylenchus as well as the need for an integrative approach to the identification of Pratylenchus species.

Dagger nematodes of the genus Xiphinema include a remarkable group of invertebrates of the phylum Nematoda comprising ectoparasitic animals of many wild and cultivated plants. Damage is caused by direct feeding on root cells and by vectoring nepoviruses that cause diseases on several crops. Precise identification of Xiphinema species is critical for launching appropriate control measures. We deciphered the cryptic diversity of the Xiphinema hispanum -species complex applying integrative taxonomical approaches that allowed us to verify a paradigmatic example of the morphostatic speciation and the description of a new species, Xiphinema malaka sp. nov. Detailed morphological, morphometrical, multivariate and genetic studies were carried out, and mitochondrial and nuclear haploweb analyses were used for species delimitation of this group. The new species belongs to morphospecies Group 5 from the Xiphinema non americanum -group species. D2-D3 , ITS1 , partial 18S , and partial coxI regions were used for inferring the phylogenetic relationships of X. malaka sp. nov. with other species within the genus Xiphinema . Molecular analyses showed a clear species differentiation not paralleled in morphology and morphometry, reflecting a clear morphostatic speciation. These results support the hypothesis that the biodiversity of dagger nematodes in southern Europe is greater than previously assumed.

Root-knot nematodes of the genus Meloidogyne are recognised worldwide as a major production constraint in crops of primary economic importance. Knowledge of their diversity and prevalence, as well as the major environmental and agronomical cues for understanding their distribution in specific areas is of vital importance for designing control measures to reduce significant damage. We provide the first detailed information on the diversity, distribution and levels of Meloidogyne species infecting wild and cultivated olive soils in a wide-region in southern Spain that included 499 sampling sites. Overall Meloidogyne spp. were found in 6.6% of sampled olive plants, with 6.6% and 6.5% for cultivated and wild olive, respectively. We identified five previously described Meloidogyne spp. (Meloidogyne arenaria, M. baetica, M. hapla, M. incognita, M. javanica) and one new species (Meloidogyne oleae sp. nov.) which, characterized using integrative taxonomy, increases the known biodiversity of Meloidogyne spp. affecting olive. Meloidogyne arenaria and M. incognita were only found infecting cultivated olive varieties, while, M. baetica was only found infecting wild olive. Three major parameters drive the distribution of Meloidogyne spp. in cultivated olives in southern Spain, cover vegetation on alley, irrigation and soil texture, but different species respond differently to them. In particular the presence of M. incognita is highly correlated with sandy loamy soils, the presence of M. javanica with irrigated soils and cover vegetation, while the presence of M. arenaria is correlated with the absence of cover vegetation on alley and absence of irrigation. These parameters likely influence the selection of each particular Meloidogyne species from a major dispersal source, such as the rooted plantlets used to establish the orchards., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Discopersicus iranicus n. gen., n. comb., previously described from Iran as a new species under the genus Discotylenchus , is illustrated using light microscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations and further studied using molecular characters. SEM studies revealed the newly proposed genus has oblique amphidial apertures on the lateral sides of the lip region. SEM images are also provided for two species of Discotylenchus , namely D. discretus and D. brevicaudatus , as the first SEM study of the genus . These results confirmed longitudinal amphidial aperture type on lateral sides of the lip region in genus Discotylenchus , as noted by Siddiqi while erecting the genus with D. discretus as the type species . Molecular phylogenetic analyses using partial small subunit (SSU) and large subunit (LSU) rDNA sequences revealed the affinity of the genus Discopersicus n. gen. with members of the subfamily Boleodorinae, as supported by morphological characters (mainly, the oblique amphidial opening).

Morphological and molecular analyses of a stem nematode causing a severe disease on infected sowthistle (Sonchus bulbosus) plants, involving the formation of gall-like structures on infected leaves and stems, have led to the description of a new species named Ditylenchus oncogenus n. sp. Morphologically, the new species is characterized by a medium to large body size (all adults more than 1 mm in length); a delicate stylet (9.0-11.0 μm long) with minute, rounded knobs; a long post-vulval uterine sac (c. 65% of the vulva-anus distance); six incisures at the lateral fields and characteristic D. destructor-pattern of spicules (with pronounced ventral tumulus and anteriorly pointed, less sclerotized, cuticle parts present within the lamina). The results of molecular analysis of rRNA gene sequences, including the D2-D3 expansion regions of 28S rRNA, internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rRNA, partial 18S rRNA gene, the protein-coding mitochondrial gene, cytochrome oxidase c subunit I (COI), and the heat-shock protein 90 (hsp90) gene, support the new species status. The results of a host-suitability test indicated that the new species does not parasitize potato (Solanum tuberosum) tubers and broad bean (Vicia faba) seedlings. Histopathological observations on naturally infected sowthistle tissues revealed that D. oncogenus n. sp. causes floral stem neoplasia and midrib leaf gall formation on the type, and to date only known, host. The galls were characterized by extensive hyperplasia, where several necrotic cells in the neoplasic area were directly damaged by feeding of the nematode, whereas a number of adjacent cells showed typical cytological changes, such as granulated cytoplasm with hypertrophied nuclei and nucleoli.

Rotylenchus castilloi n. sp., a new bisexual species is described and illustrated based on morphological, morphometric and molecular data. The new species is characterised by having a hemispherical, continuous lip region with an irregular corncob-like appearance under SEM, very long stylet (62-68 µm), vulva located at 49.7-62.2% of body length from anterior end, with a protruding double epiptygma, a rounded to convex-conoid (rarely bi-lobed) tail with 8-12 annuli and specific sequences of D2-D3 segments of 28S and ITS1-rRNA genes. Differences between the new species and four other species of the genus (R. mesorobustus, R. cazorlaensis, R. magnus and R. jaeni) are discussed. Morphologically, the new species can be separated from these species mostly by its body length, lip region characters, stylet length and location of phasmid. Phylogenetic analyses using 721 bp partial sequences of D2-D3 expansion segments of the 28S and 590 bp ITS1-rRNA genes revealed the new species forming a clade with two isolates of R. eximius and two isolates of R. unisexus, two morphologically unrelated species.

High infection rates of European sea rocket feeder roots by an unknown root-knot nematode were found in a coastal dune soil at Cullera (Valencia) in central eastern Spain. Morphometry, esterase and malate dehydrogenase electrophoretic phenotypes and phylogenetic trees demonstrated that this nematode species differs clearly from other previously described root-knot nematodes. Studies of host-parasite relationships showed a typical susceptible reaction in naturally infected European sea rocket plants and in artificially inoculated tomato (cv. Roma) and chickpea (cv. UC 27) plants. The species is herein described and illustrated and named as Meloidogyne dunensis n. sp. The new root-knot nematode can be distinguished from other Meloidogyne spp. by: (i) perineal pattern rounded-oval, formed of numerous fine dorsal and ventral cuticle striae and ridges, lateral fields clearly visible; (ii) female excretory pore at the level of stylet knobs, EP/ST ratio 1.6; (iii) second-stage juveniles with hemizonid located 1 to 2 annuli anteriorly to excretory pore and long, narrow, tapering tail; and (iv) males with lateral fields composed of four incisures anteriorly and posteriorly, while six distinct incisures are observed for large part at mid-body. Phylogenetic trees derived from distance and maximum parsimony analyses based on 18S, ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 and D2-D3 of 28S rDNA showed that M. dunensis n. sp. can be differentiated from all described root-knot nematode species, and it is clearly separated from other species with resemblance in morphology, such as M. duytsi, M. maritima, M. mayaguensis and M. minor.

A population of the cystoid nematode Meloidoderita kirjanovae was detected parasitizing water mint (Mentha aquatica) in southern Italy. The morphological identification of this species was confirmed by molecular analysis using the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) and 5.8S gene sequences of nuclear ribosomal DNA (rDNA), which clearly separated it from the closely related species Meloidoderita polygoni. A phylogenetic analysis of M. kirjanovae with species of related genera was conducted using sequences of the D2-D3 expansion segments of the 28S nuclear ribosomal RNA gene. The resulting phylogenetic tree was congruent with trees from an extended dataset for Criconematina and Tylenchida. The basal position of the genus Meloidoderita together with Sphaeronema within the Criconematina clade in this tree may indicate their close relationships. The anatomical changes induced by M. kirjanovae population from Italy in water mint were similar to those reported for a nematode population infecting roots of M. longifolia in Israel. Nematode feeding caused the formation of a stellar syncytium that disorganized the pericycle and vascular root tissues.

The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of 18 environmental variables in the spatial distribution of 30 chorotypes (species groups with significantly similar distribution patterns) of dorylaimid and mononchid nematodes by means of logistic regression in a natural area in the southeastern Iberian Peninsula. Six variables (elevation, color chroma, clay content, nitrogen content, CaCO, and plant community associated) were the most important environmental factors that helped explain the distribution of chorotypes. The distribution of most chorotypes was characterized by some (one to three) environmental variables; only two chorotypes were characterized by five or more variables, and four have not been characterized.

The spatial distribution of 138 Dorylaimid and Mononchid species collected in a natural area from the Southeast Iberian Peninsula was studied. A chorological classification was used to examine distribution patterns shared by groups of species. Eighty species were classified into 14 collective and 16 individual chorotypes. The geographical projections of several collective chorotypes are illustrated along with their corresponding distribution maps. The importance of this analysis to nematological study is briefly discussed.