Nematology (2009) 11, 669-688

Natsumi Kanzaki, Robin M. Giblin-Davis, Yongsan Zeng, Weimin Ye and Barbara J. Center (2009)
Acrostichus rhynchophori n. sp. (Rhabditida: Diplogastridae): a phoretic associate of Rhynchophorus cruentatus Fabricius and R. palmarum L. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in the Americas
Nematology 11 (5), 669-688
Abstract: Acrostichus dauer larvae (JIII) were recovered during dissections of the palmetto weevil, Rhynchophorus cruentatus, from southern Florida, and the palm weevil, R. palmarum, from Colombia, Costa Rica and Trinidad. Based upon morphological and molecular studies, the four isolates are conspecific and are described herein as A. rhynchophori n. sp. Acrostichus rhynchophori n. sp. is characterised by narrow, flap-like dorsal tooth, female gonads not reflexed to the level of the vulva, male spicule and gubernaculum morphology, i.e., spicule with small and indistinct manubrium embedded in lamina/calomus complex, strong expansion just posterior to manubrium and smoothly curved and smoothly tapered lamina/calomus complex, and gubernaculum with claw-like anterior end in lateral view and three distal branches in ventral view. The new species is distinguished from A. superbus by morphology of the spicule and gubernaculum. Type specimens of four other Acrostichus species, originally described from bark beetles from North America, i.e., A. concolor, A. gubernatus, A. ponderosus and A. taedus, were re-examined and photo-documented.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Weimin Ye, Robin M. Giblin-Davis

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
general biology - morphology - evolution

---

Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Rhynchophorus palmarum		Costa Rica
	Rhynchophorus palmarum		Colombia
	Rhynchophorus palmarum		Trinidad and Tobago
	Rhynchophorus cruentatus		U.S.A. (SW)