Redescription of Falcaustra duyagi (Tubangui &Villaamil, 1933) Freitas &Lent, 1941 (Nematoda: Cosmocercoidea) from Cuora amboinensis (Testudinidae) of Malaysia

Abstract

Falcaustra duyagi (Tubangui &Villaamil, 1933) Freitas &Lent, 1941 is redescribed based on specimens from Cuora amboinensis (Testudinidae) of Malaysia (new locality record). These specimens differ only slightly from the original description in dimensions and appearance of caudal pseudosuckers in males. This work elucidates details of cephalic morphology, the excretory system and the gubernaculum, which may provide useful taxonomic information. Falcaustra duyagi is distinguished from other Asian species by the number of pseudosuckers, short spicules bearing numerous prominent protuberances on the anterior portion, and by the large saccular excretory vesicle lacking lateral canals. Cephalic morphology of F. duyagi was studied from stained histologic sections. The cheilostome and oesophastome are similar to Falcaustra stewarti Baylis &Daubney, 1922. Falcaustra stewarti is reported from Cyclemys mouhoti (Testudinidae) of southern Viet Nam (new host and locality record).