Morphological and molecular characterization of Belondira khorramshahii sp. n. (Dorylaimida: Belondiridae) from Iran

Belondira khorramshahii sp. n. is described, based on morphological observations and D2-D3 expansion segment of the 28S rRNA analysis, collected from the rhizosphere of Persian oak ( Quercus brantii L.) trees in Lorestan province, Iran. The new species is characterized by its medium sized (L = 1.04–1.36 mm) body; lip region width 6.5-8.0 µm, amalgamated, continuous with body counter; presence of distinct labial and post-labial sclerotizations; odontostyle 4.0-5.5 µm long with distinct lumen and aperture, neck 220–260 µm long; pharyngeal expansion 84–107 µm, V = 33–36; female reproductive system mono-opisthodelphic, anterior uterine sac 24.0–38.0 µm, tail cylindrical (2.8.5–33.5 µm, c = 38–46; c′ = 1.2–1.4 in females; 30.5–34.0 µm long; c = 33–39; c´ = 1.3–1.6 in males) with rounded end, spicules 30–34 µm long, three ventromedian supplements and lacking hiatus. The new species morphologically comes most close to B. apitica and B. tarjani .