Description of Gordius attoni sp.n. (Nematomorpha, Gordiidae) from Northern Canada

• Published in: Canadian Journal of Zoology
• Main Author: Redlich, A.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Canadian Science Publishing 1980
• Subjects: Animal Science and Zoology; Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics; Arctic; Yukon; Canada; Chesterfield Inlet
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/z80-049; http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/z80-049

Gordius attoni sp.n. (Nematomorpha, Gordiidae) is described using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and conventional methods. The presence of white spots, the postcloacal crescent on the male caudal end, and the shallow interareolar furrows devoid of pores and bristles as seen in SEM are characteristic of the genus Gordius. The species is characterized by its spindle shape and well defined polygonal areoles, which completely cover the body surface. Spinules, sparsely distributed mainly on the periphery of the areoles, are apparent in SEM. Adults have been found north of 51.5° extending beyond the Arctic circle from the Western Yukon to Chesterfield Inlet of Hudson's Bay.