Alaimus

  

Contents

  

Rev: 12/21/2021

  Classification Biology and Ecology
Morphology and Anatomy Life Cycle
Return to Alaimus Menu Ecosystem Functions and Services
Distribution Management
Return to Alaimidae Menu Feeding  References
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Classification:

Enoplea
     Enoplia
        Enoplida
              Alaimina
                    Alaimidae

        Alaimus De Man, 1880

 

    Synonyms:

  Etymology: alaimus = without mouth    

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Morphology and Anatomy:

 

 Females:
  • Body length 0.4 - 4mm.
  • Cuticle thin and smooth.
  • Head rounded, labial papillae minute.
  • Mouth opening inconspicuous.
  • Amphids inconspicuous, pore-like, quite far posterior to head.
  • Esophagus widens abruptly in posterior region; with 5 gland nuclei.
  • Females opisthodelphic; with or withoutanterior uterine sac.
  • Vulva closed; vagina narrow.
  • Tail varies in length and shape among species; usually conoid or elongate conoid; c' = 2-25.


    See photographs of general morphology of Alaimidae

Males:  

  • Spicules short and straight.
  • No gubernaculum.
  • 3-9 ventromedian supplements.


  •  

Andrássy, 2009

Body size range for the species of this genus in the database - Click:
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Distribution:

The genus occurs in soils worldwide.  Often associated with mosses.

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Feeding:

Bacterivores

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Biology and Ecology:

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Life Cycle:

 
For Ecophysiological Parameters for this genus, click 
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Ecosystem Functions and Services:

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Management:

 
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References:

Andrássy, I. 2009.  Free-living nematodes of Hungary, III.  Hungarian Natural History Museum.

 

Copyright © 1999 by Howard Ferris.
Revised: December 21, 2021.