Systematics and zoogeography of three new nematode parasites of the frog Breviceps sylvestris sylvestris FitzSimons from South Africa

Abstract

Hedruris transvaalensis n. sp. (Habronematoidea), the first Hedruris species recorded from Africa, belongs to a group within the genus found only on the Gondwanaland continents and characterized by fused, slender, and nontwisted spicules. It is distinguished from other Hedruris species by possessing spicules exceeding 350 μm in length. Oswaldocruzia robusta n. sp. (Trichostronglyoidea) is easily differentiated from all other species in the genus by its large body size, relatively large intestinal cells, the disposition and size of the bursal rays, spicule morphology (distal end with three branches, two of which are divided into eight or nine sharp processes), and shape of the female tail (distal half in form of spike). It is not closely related to other endemic African Oswaldocruzia spp., which form a homogeneous group. Entomelas sylvestris n. sp. (Rhabditoidea), the first Entomelas species recorded from sub-Saharan Africa, is distinguished from other Entomelas species by the division of the buccal capsule into two parts. Its presence in a frog confirms the wide and sporadic distribution of Entomelas in diverse amphibian and reptilian hosts. This suggests Entomelas is a relict and ancient group.