A new species of Amplicaecum (Nematoda) from the carpet snake (Morelia argus variegatus): with a re-definition and a key for the genus

Abstract

A new species of Amplicaecum is described from the carpet snake (Morelia argus variegatus) in coastal Queensland. It differs from all previously described species in this genus in that its host is a pythonid snake. It is the largest species yet described, and the spicules are about 3 times as long as in any other species. The genus Amplicaecum is tentatively re-defined and a key is given to the differential features of the recognized species. The view is expressed that before classification of these and related ascaridoids can be adopted, further information is necessary, particularly on (1) the phylogenetic significance of differential features already in use, and (2) on the existence of other more significant differential features.