Butlerius

The genus Butlerius Goodey, 1929 includes about 10 species and can be found in Europe, North- & South-America and Asia. All species are carnivorous in behaviour and and can be found inhabiting soil, in compost, mosses and decaying plant roots.

They have relatively long labial setae and a large mouth cavity with a large dorsal tooth and two smaller subventral teeth. Females have two ovaries. Both sexes have a long filiform tail. The genus and type species (B. butleri) were named after the English writer Samuel Butler (1835-1902).

More pictures of Butlerius:

Butlerius: female body
Butlerius: female body

Butlerius: anterior region with labial setae
Butlerius: anterior region with labial setae

Butlerius: anterior region with large mouth cavity
Butlerius: anterior region with large mouth cavity

Butlerius: posterior part of the pharynx
Butlerius: posterior part of the pharynx

Butlerius: vulva with two ovaries (partly visible)
Butlerius: vulva with two ovaries (partly visible)

Butlerius: anal opening
Butlerius: anal opening

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