Observations on the morphology and taxonomy of two <i>Parachordodes</i> species (Nematomorpha, Gordioida, Chordodidae) in southern New England (USA)

Abstract

Two nematomorph species are recorded from New England and described: Parachordodes lineatus , a little‐known North American species, and P. violaceus , a European species not previously verified for North America. The identity and species status of P. lineatus is firmly established and the presence of P. violaceus in North America is confirmed. Description is based both on light microscopy, which is found to be sufficient to distinguish the two species of Parachordodes , and scanning electron microscopy, which is necessary to elucidate details of cuticle structure and male posterior morphology. The status of the genus Gordionus in North America and the practice of splitting genera within the Gordioida are discussed.