TESTATE AMEBAS AS PREDATORS OF NEMATODES

Testacea were observed ingesting nematodes in the litter horizons of n ative forests in New Zealand. Nematodes were most commonly attacked fr om the tail end but some specimens were attacked at mid-body. Nematode s with damaged tails were recovered in greatest numbers from the highe st, wettest site sampled. Nebela (Apodera) vas (Certes, 1989) and Diff lugia sp. (possibly lanceolata Penard, 1890) were the predators; both species were redescribed using light and scanning electron microscopy and morphometry. Most damaged nematodes were Ironus sp. but Clarkus, T obrilus, Iotonchus, Cobbonchus, Dorylaimus and Plectus were also attac ked. Literature on testacean feeding strategies was reviewed briefly.