Paracooperioides peleae gen. et sp. n. (Nematoda: Trichostrongylidae) from the vaal ribbok, Pelea capreolus (Forster, 1790)

Abstract

A new genus and species of trichostrongylid nematode, Paracooperioides peleae, was collected from the small intestines of vaal ribbok, Pelea capreolus (Forster, 1790), from the Bontebok National Park, Swellendam, Cape Province. These nematodes are small and slender with a small cephalic inflation. The cuticle bears numerous transverse striations which are more pronounced anteriorly. The dorsal ray is long and is similar to that of Gazellostrongylus Yeh, 1956, and Cooperioides hepaticae Ortlepp, 1938, but differs in that it bifurcates in its distal quarter. Each branch divides again, giving rise to a thinner, outer branch and a thicker inner branch. The latter recurves upon itself to form a small, elongated knob. The spicules of Paracooperioides peleae resemble those of C. hepaticae but can be differentiated from them in that they bear small lateral barbs on their tips. Ten longitudinal ridges, supported by sclerotized rods, are present at the middle of the body. In transverse section, Paracooperioides peleae is intermediate between Cooperioides Daubney, 1933 and Paracooperia Travassos, 1935.