2 NEW SPECIES OF PLECTUS WITH A REDESCRIPTION OF PLECTUS-CANCELLATUS ZULLINI, 1978 (NEMATODA, PLECTIDAE) FROM CANADA

Two new terrestrial species of Plectus from Canada are described and illustrated. Plectus amorphotelus n. sp. and Plectus spicacaudatus n. sp. are distinctive amongst Plectus species because of the absence of caudal glands and cuticularized spinnerets. Plectus amorphotelus is readily recognized by the head that is not set off and by the degenerate, irregularly shaped spinneret. Plectus spicacaudatus is differentiated by the set-off-head, the anterior position of the amphids which lie between the cephalic setae bases, and the absence of a spinneret on the pointed tail. Plectus cancellatus females are redescribed and differ from the original description by usually having a blocked cuticle over the entire body, a globular cheilostom, and a fringe of rounded spines at the spinneret base. A key to the females of Plectus species is also provided.