Gnathostomulida -- taxonomic database

Gnathostomulidae Gnathostomula Diagnosis


Diagnosis of Gnathostomula Ax, 1956 emend. Riedl, 1971b

Gnathostomulidae with short rostrum (index smaller than 2). Dorsalia represented, ciliary pits lacking, apicalia consistently one pair. Pharynx round (breadth more than 70% of its length), without distinct frontolateral glands. Roof of the central part of the basal plate strongly elevated, frontal and lateral wings united, the median margin of the frontal wings forming an unbroken arch which is joined ventral to the roof structure. All three tooth ridges with distinct teeth. Bursa system bipartite, stable part elongated and fairly large (length 15-60 µm, breadth in ripe stages 30-95% of length). Penis system generally with more than one gland type.


Return to Gnathostomulidae Gnathostomula