General morphology and updated taxonomy of the genus Aporcelinus Andrassy, 2009 (Dorylaimida: Aporcelaimidae)

Abstract

This paper deals with the general morphology of the dorylaimid genus Aporcelinus as a basis for updating its taxonomy. This taxon is morphologically rather homogeneous and characterised by a peculiar combination of apomorphic states of several features, which are described, illustrated and discussed, particularly those concerning lip region, odontostyle, pharyngo-intestinal junction, female genital tract, and caudal region. A revised generic diagnosis is presented and the separation of the genus from its relatives analysed. The updated inventory of Aporcelinus includes 29 valid species with their synonyms and two species inquirendae. A key to identification of species is also given, and a compendium of their morphometrics is provided for comparative purposes.