Hirschmanniella Luc & Goodey, 1964

In the Netherlands, the genus Hirschmanniella Luc & Goodey, 1964 is represented by different species including Hirschmanniella gracilis, described by de Man in 1880. All species within this genus are plant parasite and are unique in the sense that they are adapted to aquatic life. As migratory endoparasites they live in and around the roots of water plants like reeds (Phragmites sp.). Sometimes they can also be found in wet soils. In the Netherlands, they are not of economic importance but in warmer regions, where rice is grown, several Hirschmanniella species can cause considerable yield decreases.

More pictures of Hirschmanniella gracilis (de Man, 1880) Luc & Goodey, 1964:

Hirschmanniella gracilis: female body
Hirschmanniella gracilis: female body

Hirschmanniella gracilis: anterior body part with lip region and well developed stylet and median bulb
Hirschmanniella gracilis: anterior body part with lip region and well developed stylet and median bulb

Hirschmanniella gracilis: posterior pharynx region
Hirschmanniella gracilis: posterior pharynx region

Hirschmanniella gracilis: cuticule annulation, lateral field (partly visilble)
Hirschmanniella gracilis: cuticule annulation, lateral field (partly visilble)

Hirschmanniella gracilis: genital organ amphidelphic
Hirschmanniella gracilis: genital organ amphidelphic

Hirschmanniella gracilis: vulva
Hirschmanniella gracilis: vulva
Hirschmanniella gracilis (male): spicula and gubernaculum
Hirschmanniella gracilis (male): spicula and gubernaculum
Hirschmanniella gracilis (male): bursa and spiculesa (partly visible)
Hirschmanniella gracilis (male): bursa and spiculesa (partly visible)
Hirschmanniella gracilis (male): tail with part of the bursa
Hirschmanniella gracilis (male): tail with part of the bursa
Hirschmanniella gracilis: female tail with terminal mucro
Hirschmanniella gracilis: female tail with terminal mucro

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