Merlinius

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Rev 10/05/2007

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SEM face view of Merlinius sp.

Body medium-sized.  

Labial region continuous to slightly offset.  SEM face view typically with oval labial disc surrounded with six-sectored first lip annule, submedian sectors somewhat flattened.  Labial region annules interrupted by longitudinal striations or grooves. 

Stylet generally nedium-sized, 20-25 µm long, sometimes shorter (10 µm) or longer (up to 40 to 50 µm), cone sometimes needle-shaped.  

Lateral field with six lines (eight lines in M. koreanus, though only six are visible in lateral view).  Longitudinal ridges sometimes present (M. koreanus).  

Deirids, when present, at a level where the lateral field has only four lines.  

Tail medium-sized (c' = 2 to 4), conoid, never with thickened cuticle in distal portion.     

Gubernaculum not protruding from cloaca.

[Ref: Fortuner & Luc (1987).]