Observations on a British hairworm, <i>Parachordodes wolterstorffii</i> (Nematomorpha: Gordiidae)

Abstract

Males of the nematomorph Parachordodes wolterstorffi from the New Forest, Hampshire, England have been examined entire, in thick sections and in cuticle preparations by light (differential interference contrast) and scanning electron microscopy. Surface features, internal organization and cuticular fibres are described and illustrated. Surface ornamentation is very varied. The fibres are made up of two fibrils twisted together left‐handed and are arranged in up to 45 layers. Fibres in alternate layers from right‐ and left‐hand helices round the worm. Helicity and stiffness of fibres, body pressure, attachment to substratum and phylogeny are discussed.