Revision einiger europäischen Thelastomatidae (Nematoda)

Abstract

This work deals with the most common species of Thelastomatidae, the only nematode family parasitic in European arthropods. It begins with a simplified taxonomic review of the group. Bibliographical references, distribution data, measurements, illustrations, statistical analysis when necessary, and a brief commented history of every species are given. Subspecific taxa in this group of nematodes are refuted as explained in the introduction. The paper ends with considerations about Thelastomatidae larval habits, their natural classification into 8 subfamilies, and how they are related to the tropical arthropod-nematodes and the different hosts. A first tentative of the zoogeography of the group, is made.