Rev 12/09/2022
Clarkus papillatus (Bastian, 1865) Jairajpuri, 1970
Males:
Female:
Reported median body size for this species (Length mm; width micrometers; weight micrograms) - Click:
Predaceous on other organisms, including nematodes.
Nematodes were obtained from forest soils with three types of humus (acid mull, moder and dysmoder) in fall and spring. The contents of the anterior intestine, mid intestinal region and posterior intestine wre examined. A variety of food items was identified in the intestine of Clarkus pupillatus : different animal prey, bacteria and clay particles. Remnants of nematode prey were observed in the anterior and mid-intestine but the contents were no longer distinguishable when they had reached the posterior intestine. The double origin of microflora inside the digestive tract (microflora from soil bacterial colonies and microflora from bacterial multiplication inside the intestine, was determined. The authors concluded that microflora and fauna was used for food but bacteria had also a lytic action in the digestive process (Saur and Arpin, 1989).
Ecophysiological Parameters:
Regulation of opportunistic prey. Sauer and Arpin (1989) confirmed the predatory activity of C. papillatus but also considered that there was activity at other trophic lebvels, including microbivory and distribution of soil bacteria among resources.
Jairajpuri, M.S. and Khan, W.U. 1982. Predatory Nematodes (Mononchida). Associated Publishing, New Delhi 131p.
Saur, E., Arpin, P. 1989. Ultrastructural analysis of the intestinal contents of Clarkus pupillatus (Nemata : Mononchina) : ecological interest of the survey. Rev Nematol. 12: 413--422.