DNA barcoding supports identification of Malacobdella species (Nemertea: Hoplonemertea).

ABSTRACT:

Background

Nemerteans of the genus Malacobdella live inside of the mantle cavity of marine bivalves. The genus currently contains only six species, five of which are host-specific and usually found in a single host species, while the sixth species, M. grossa, has a wide host range and has been found in 27 different bivalve species to date. The main challenge of Malacobdella species identification resides in the similarity of the external morphology between species (terminal sucker, gut undulations number, anus position and gonad colouration), and thus, the illustrations provided in the original descriptions do not allow reliable identification. In this article, we analyse the relationships amongthree species of Malacobdella:M.arrokeana,M.japoni

SUBMITTER: Alfaya JEF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6661291 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature