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17 January 2022 Tarantobelus jeffdanielsi n. sp. (Panagrolaimomorpha; Panagrolaimidae), a Nematode Parasite of Tarantulas
Jacob Schurkman, Kyle Anesko, Joaquín Abolafia, Irma Tandingan De Ley, Adler R. Dillman
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Abstract

Multiple tarantula deaths for a wholesale breeder were reported in 2018. The breeder noticed white discharge in the oral cavities of the tarantulas. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the white discharge was a large group of nematodes intertwined inside the tarantula's oral cavity. We examined the nematodes and propose a new species, Tarantobelus jeffdanielsi n. sp., in the currently monotypic genus Tarantobelus based on a combination of morphological and morphometrical data and unique nuclear rDNA 28S and 18S sequences. Based on phylogenetic analyses, the previously described Tarantobelus arachnicida was relocated, along with T. jeffdanielsi, into the family Panagrolaimidae. We also provide evidence of the ability of T. jeffdanielsi to parasitize Galleria mellonella larvae and the tarantula Grammostola pulchra. The life span and fecundity of the new species were also assessed, resulting in an 11.2-d average life span, and a total fertility rate of 158 nematodes/adult.

© American Society of Parasitologists 2022
Jacob Schurkman, Kyle Anesko, Joaquín Abolafia, Irma Tandingan De Ley, and Adler R. Dillman "Tarantobelus jeffdanielsi n. sp. (Panagrolaimomorpha; Panagrolaimidae), a Nematode Parasite of Tarantulas," Journal of Parasitology 108(1), 30-43, (17 January 2022). https://doi.org/10.1645/21-42
Published: 17 January 2022
KEYWORDS
Grammostola pulchra
molecular phylogeny
morphology
Morphometrics
nematode
new species
Spider parasite
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