LEPTEPSILONEMA SANTII SP-N FROM SPAIN AND DATA ON THE VARIABILITY OF L-FILIFORME (NEMATA, EPSILONEMATIDAE)

The genus Leptepsilonema is recorded for the first time from the Medit erranean: L. santii sp.n. is characterised by a slender body with a la rge number of annules (122-128). Cuticular ornamentation with clear ri dges and a lateral field of small thorns on both sides of the anterior most annules are also typical as well as the number and arrangement of copulatory thorns (2-3 pairs, 2 fields), the shape and length (49-58 mu m) of spicules in males. L. filiforme is recorded from New Caledoni a; specimens largely resemble the original types but are larger. The v ariability of some morphological structures is discussed.