DESCRIPTION OF HEXAMERMIS-SERENENSIS SP-N (NEMATODA, MERMITHIDAE), A PARASITE OF DOCIOSTAURUS-MAROCCANUS (THUNBERG) (ORTHOPTERA, ACRIDIDAE)IN SPAIN

Hexamermis serenensis sp. n. (Nematoda: Mermithidaea) is described and all stages of development illustrated. The species is differentiated by : i) large size (6.5-27 cm), ii) six cephalic papillae arranged in two opposed groups surrounding the mouth; iii) small thread-like amphi ds located dorsally and slightly behind the cephalic papillae; iv) vul var cone well muscularized; vagina in equatorial position, horn-shaped , perpendicular to long axis of the body; v) vestigial anus present in females; vi) paired spicules medium sized, curved, with a sharp tip, vii) six-seven broken rows of genital papillae (n = 96 - 134); viii) t ail conoid in both sexes, with a small blunt protuberance. Natural hos ts include the locusts Dociostaurus maroccanus (Thunberg) and Callipta mus italicus L., and the grasshoppers Dociostaurus genei (Ocsk), Chort hippus bicolor (Charp.), Spingonotus azurescens (Rb.) and Oedipoda cha rpentieri, Fieb.