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 in adults) 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.