Amphibiophilus mooiensis n. sp. (Nematoda: Amphibiophilidae), a parasite of Amietia delalandii (Duméril & Bibron) (Amphibia: Pyxicephalidae) from South Africa

Abstract

Four species of the genus Amphibiophilus Skrjabin, 1916 from pyxycephalid frogs in southern and central Africa are currently recognised as valid. Several specimens of Amphibiophilus were found in material from the common river frog, Amietia delalandii (Duméril & Bibron) (Amphibia: Pyxicephalidae), collected in Potchefstroom (North-West Province, South Africa). These specimens clearly differ from all previously known species by the shape of the distal end of the spicule, the shape of the gubernaculum and the structure of the synlophe. They are, thus, considered as a new species, Amphibiophilus mooiensis. As all other species in the family Amphibiophilidae Durette-Desset & Chabaud, 1981, A. mooiensis n. sp. possesses a number of archaic characters, such as a buccal capsule with a well-developed dorsal oesophageal tooth, six inner labial papillae, six outer labial papillae and four cephalic papillae. Molecular data (cox1 and ITS-28S rDNA sequences) are provided and host and geographical specificity are discussed