Belonolaimus longicaudatus

The plant-parasitic nematode Belonolaimus longicaudatus Rau, 1958 is a remarkable nematode, i.e. it is very long (2-3 mm), lip region and body annulated.

The lip region is clearly set off from the body and includes four lobes with six distinct striae each. The stylet is thin, flexible and very long (100 to 140 micrometers) with rounded knobs. The lateral field is only one line, running from the head towards the tail region. Females have their vulva near mid-body and are provided with a long cylindroid tail ending in an annulated hemispherical tail tip. This species is a major pest particularly in southeastern USA and widespread in the Atlantic coastal plain from Virginia to Florida. It has a very wide host range including woody hosts (like pines), crops and grasses (o.a. golf courses).

More pictures of Belonolaimus longicaudatus:

SEM pictures of female head with protruding stylet, four annulated lobes with six annuli and rounded labial disc
SEM pictures of female head with protruding stylet, four annulated lobes with six annuli and rounded labial disc

SEM picture of female tail region with anus and single lateral line visible
SEM picture of female tail region with anus and single lateral line visible

(Click on the pictures for an enlargement, ©Wageningen University & Research, Laboratory of Nematology/Pictures: Hanny van Megen)