Observations on Mononchus tridentatus, M. brachyuris and other species of the genus Mononchus

Abstract

Studies carried out by the writer during the past few years on various species of the genus Anguillulina, associated chiefly with the roots of grasses, have resulted in the-collection of numerous other species of soil nematodes including many representatives of the predatory genus Mononchus. Amongst these are specimens of Mononchus tridentatus de Man, 1876, M. brachyuris Bütschli, 1873, two species in which males as well as females are known, M. muscorum (Duj. 1945), M. punctatus Cobb, 1917, M. papillatus Bast., 1865 and M. minor Cobb, 1893; all species in which females only are known. Investigation of these forms has resulted not only in the discovery of facts concerning their feeding habits but also of certain interesting anatomical features which have hitherto remained incompletely elucidated in members of this genus.