Molecular and morphological characterisation of Cryptaphelenchus baujardi n. sp. (Nematoda: Ektaphelenchinae), a new species based on two populations from Iran

SummaryCryptaphelenchus baujardin. sp. is described and illustrated based on two populations from Golestan province, northern Iran. The new species is characterised by female and male body length of 224 (190-261) and 215 (195-229)μm, respectively, offset cephalic region with a shallow constriction, delicate stylet 6.6 (6.0-7.0)μm long, four incisures in the lateral field, presence of a rudimentary post-uterine sac in the female gonoduct, elongate-conoid female tail ending in an acute to finely rounded terminus, male tail conical, male with seven caudal papillae and delicate spicules. The new species shows a strong resemblance toC. varicaudatusandC. iranicus, but has a sclerotised mass near the tip of the spicule and an indistinct spermatheca. Phylogenetic analyses based on both partial SSU and LSU rDNA sequences confirm its status as a new taxon.