Abstract
M. Sc.
The first part of this study deals with some aspects of the
morphology of the family Longidoridae. The main morphological
features are discussed, followed by a brief review of the
taxonomic history of the group and diagnoses of the genera
Xiphinema, Xiphidorus, Paralongidorus, Longidorus and
Longidoroides. A detailed description is then given of the method
used for preparation of specimens for viewing with the scanning
electron microscope. The ultrastructure of the stylet, the head
region and the cuticular structure of some representative species
of the South African genera of Longidoridae were studied, and the
.
results are shown on photomicrographs and discussed. Based on
these results and through out-group comparison, an attempt was
made to establish the characteristics of longidorid ancestry and
the interrelationships of the different genera.
In the second part of the study, Eutobrilus heptapapillatus
(Joubert & Heyns, 1979) Tsalolikhin, 1981 is redescribed from
specimens collected in the Tsitsikama Forest and Coastal National
Park. These specimens showed some remarkable morphological
features which are described in the text. Of particular interest
is an exceptionally well-developed glandular system in the .region
of the nerve ring and the base of the eosaphagus. The indoxyl
acetate method for non-specific esterases was used to determine
the nature of this system.and the results are discussed in the
text.