Fergusobia morrisae, Davies, Kerrie, Giblin-Davis, Robin, Ye, Weimin, Taylor, Gary & Thomas, Kelley, 2012

Davies, Kerrie, Giblin-Davis, Robin, Ye, Weimin, Taylor, Gary & Thomas, Kelley, 2012, Nematodes from galls on Myrtaceae. III. Fergusobia from flower bud and stigma galls on Eucalyptus, with descriptions of four new species, Zootaxa 3532, pp. 1-36 : 20-35

publication ID

https://doi.org/ 10.5281/zenodo.282784

DOI

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.6168982

persistent identifier

https://treatment.plazi.org/id/039787F3-FFB5-FFA2-EDE0-FE67FBD4FB8C

treatment provided by

Plazi

scientific name

Fergusobia morrisae
status

 

Description of Fergusobia morrisae n. sp. Davies

( Figs 6 View FIGURE 6 , 7 View FIGURE 7 J, 8N)

Measurements. See Table 5 View TABLE 5 .

Material examined. The description presented here is based on measurements of 19 parthenogenetic females, 19 males and 11 pre-parasitic infective females from flower bud galls on Eucalyptus fibrosa subsp. fibrosa F. Muell. , associated with an unknown species of Fergusonina ; from Shute Bay Lookout, Shute Bay, Queensland, Australia (20°18´S 148°47´E), collected by Kerrie Davies, 20.v.2002.

Holotype. Parthenogenetic female, with a paratype male and infective female, on a slide deposited at the Australian National Insect Collection ( ANIC), Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.

Paratypes. Vouchers deposited at the Waite Insect and Nematode Collection ( WINC), the University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia (slides number 004328); and the Queensland Museum, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

Description. Parthenogenetic female. Body C-shaped when heat-relaxed, dorsally curved with ventral side convex and most curvature in posterior third of body; smaller than amphimictic pre-parasitic female and males; body narrowing behind vulva. Cuticle with obscure annules ~1 µm spacing, weak longitudinal striae apparent when viewed with light microscope; lateral fields not seen.

Cephalic region ~70% diameter of body at anterior end, offset, unstriated, 2–3 µm long; with rounded outline in lateral view and circum-oral area raised. Stylet 7–8 µm long, with conus 40–50% of total length, basal knobs ~2 µm diameter at base, round.

Orifice of dorsal oesophageal gland 1–2 µm posterior to stylet knobs. Anterior fusiform part of digestive tract diameter 52–62% of body diameter (n = 5), length 2.4–3.1 times diameter (n = 5); lumen of tract broadening at ~50% length of dorsal oesophageal gland. Oesophageal glands large to enormous, diameter 56–75% of body diameter (n = 5), extending over intestine, distance from head to end of glands 53 (30–63) % of total body length. Secretory/excretory pore with prominent duct, opening anterior to oesophageal gland nucleus, at about 30% length from anterior of gland; secretory/excretory cell ovoid ~2 µm long, displacing gland dorsally. Hemizonid extending over two to three annules, one annule anterior to secretory/excretory pore.

Reproductive tract variable in length, extending part-way along dorsal oesophageal gland; usually straight but sometimes with one flexure (in 4 of 19 specimens); oviduct with oocytes not in rows; uterus containing no eggs or occasionally one egg (in 3 of 19 specimens); vulva with protruding lips, flat or forming a depressed slit. Tail conoid, length 1.4–2.3 times anal body diameter, rounded tip.

Infective pre-parasitic female. Infecting mature larval stage of Fergusonina sp. or pupa. Body arcuate or Jshaped when heat-relaxed, with most curvature posterior to vulva; maximum body diameter at mid-body with head and tail regions similar in diameter; tapering slightly posterior to vulva. Cuticle with obscure annulations, longitudinal striae not seen; lateral fields not seen. Large nuclei present in epidermis posterior to vulva, and in intestinal wall.

Cephalic area occupying 80–90% of body diameter at anterior end, continuous; circum-oral area flat; stylet slender, 6–10 µm long, weakly sclerotised with tiny round basal knobs 1–2 µm diameter; conus 40–50% of total length.

Orifice of dorsal oesophageal gland 1–2 µm posterior to stylet knobs; oesophageal glands diameter 38 (29–44) % of body diameter (n = 5), extending over intestine, distance from head to end of glands on average 18 (14–25)% of total body length. Anterior fusiform part of digestive tract diameter 35–55% of body diameter, length 1.9–3.3 times diameter (n = 5).

Secretory/excretory pore opening 59–85 µm posterior to anterior body end, opposite oesophageal gland nucleus; with prominent duct. Secretory/excretory cell similar to that of parthenogenetic female, ~5 µm long. Hemizonid not seen.

Uterus 60–70% of body length in uninseminated females, packed with sperm in inseminated females; vagina perpendicular to body axis; reproductive tract extending to nerve ring, with large cap cell; hypertrophied in some specimens. Vulval lips raised. Tail broad, length 0.7–2 times diameter at anus, tip bluntly rounded or almost hemispherical.

Male. Body arcuate, C- or J-shaped when heat-relaxed, tail region more or less curved ventrally. Cuticle with obscure annules ~1 µm wide, weak longitudinal striae apparent when viewed with light microscope; lateral fields not seen.

Cephalic region offset, 2–3 µm long, circum-oral area flat or slightly raised, with lightly sclerotised framework; stylet 7–10 µm long, conus 40–50% of total length; stylet knobs round, ~2 µm diameter.

Anterior fusiform part of digestive tract diameter 60–75% of body diameter, length 2.3 (2–2.7) times diameter (n = 5). Oesophageal glands diameter 62 (50–71) % of body diameter (n = 5), extending over intestine, distance from head to end of glands on average 28 (24–32) % of total body length. Lumen of intestinal tract broadening posterior to oesophageal gland.

Secretory/excretory pore opening on area of raised cuticle, opposite or posterior to oesophageal gland nucleus; duct obscure; secretory/excretory cell not seen. Hemizonid extending over two or three annules, 2 – 4 annules anterior to secretory/excretory pore.

Reproductive tract with single testis, variable in length, extending to distal end of dorsal oesophageal gland or part-way along it; straight or very occasionally reflexed (1 of 19 specimens); testis, seminal vesicle and vas deferens not clearly differentiated. Bursa smooth; prominent or obscure; arising just posterior to secretory/ excretory pore, 75 – 83% along length of body as measured from tail tip. Spicules paired, angular near middle, robust, heavily sclerotised; manubrium not offset, with similar diameter to shaft; blade with slight convex curvature on proximal edge, bluntly rounded tip; opening terminal. Inconspicuous muscles associated with cloaca. Tail curved, ventrally concave, length 1.6–2.4 times diameter at cloaca, with rounded tip.

Diagnosis and relationships. Fergusobia morrisae n. sp. is morphologically characterized by the combination of a C-shaped parthenogenetic female with a narrowly conoid tail, an arcuate or J-shaped infective female with most body curvature behind the vulva and a short tail with an almost hemispherical tip, and arcuate or J-shaped males with strongly sclerotised, angular spicules and long peloderan bursa.

Morphologically, Fergusobia morrisae n. sp. is similar to F. eugenioidae n. sp. and F. juliae n. sp.

In shape, the parthenogenetic female of F. morrisae n. sp. (open C to C-shape, with most curvature in posterior third of body) is similar to F. eugenioidae n. sp. It differs in shape from F. curriei , F. f i s h e r i, F. n e r v o s a e, F. quinquenerviae (more open C-shape); from F. camaldulensae , F. fasciculosae n. sp., F. pohutukawa , and F. viridiflorae (arcuate to open C-shape); and from F. rileyi (almost straight to arcuate). They are shorter (262–347 µm, mean 291 µm) than F. i n d i c a (525–626 µm), F. magna (418–780 µm), and F. tumifaciens (415 µm), and generally shorter than F. ptychocarpae (320–461 µm, mean 390 µm) and F. brittenae (328–461 µm; mean 389 µm). The raised circum-oral area separates F. morrisae n. sp. from F. brevicauda , F. dealbatae , F. leucadendrae , and F. philippinensis , in which it is not raised. The stylet (7–8 µm) is shorter than in F. eugenioidae n. sp. (9–11 µm). The cuticle does not swell on fixation, differentiating it from F. jambophila , in which it does swell. The hemizonid is 1 annule anterior to the secretory/excretory pore in F. m o r r i s a e n. sp., but immediately anterior in F. ptychocarpae , 11–12 annules anterior in F. cajuputiae , and 8 or 9 annules anterior in F. brittenae . The parthenogenetic female of F. morrisae n. sp. generally has a longer stylet (7–8 µm) than F. juliae n. sp. (5–7 µm).

The infective female of F. morrisae n. sp. is similar in shape to F. eugenioidae n. sp., F. juliae n. sp., and F ptychocarpae (strongly curved in posterior region). It differs in shape from F. m a g n a, F. brittenae , F. dealbatae , F. fisheri , F. nervosae , F. quinquenerviae , and F. viridiflorae (arcuate); from F. curriei and F. f a s c i c u l o s a e n. sp. (open C-shape); and from F. rileyi (almost straight). Infective females are longer (322–395 µm) than those of F. cajuputiae (239–309 µm) and F. leucadendrae (227–291 µm). The cephalic region in F. morrisae n. sp. is continuous and flat, separating it from F. camaldulensae and F. eugenioidae n. sp. in which the circum-oral area is raised; and from F. ptychocarpae in which the cephalic region is flat but distinctly offset. The hemispherical tail tip, and strongly curved body posterior to the vulva differs from that of F. brevicauda and F. camaldulensae , (straighter); and F. philippinensis (truncate tip). The general form of infective females of F. juliae n. sp. is similar to that of F. morrisae n. sp., but a cuticular plate is present around the vulva in the former, and absent in the latter.

In shape (arcuate to J-shape), the males of F. morrisae n. sp. differ only from those of F. jambophila (almost straight). In length (347–413 µm), they are smaller than males of F. magna (446–588 µm); and larger than those of F. fasciculosae n. sp. (274–336 µm), F. nervosae (277–312 µm), and F. quinquenerviae (256–329 µm). The ratio ‘a’ (8.5–10.7) of F. morrisae n. sp. males is smaller than in F. juliae n. sp. (11.1–15.3). Stylet length (7–10 µm) is smaller than in F. r i l e y i (11–13 µm). Tail shape (arcuate, with bluntly rounded tip) differs from that of F. ptychocarpae and F. viridiflorae (more slender), from F. brittenae (shorter and broader); and from F. philippinensis (with truncate tip). In length (30–45 µm), the tail is shorter than in F. pohutukawa (50–61 µm). Spicule length (18–23 µm) is larger than in F. leucadendrae (14–17 µm). In having a bursa arising near the secretory/excretory pore, males of F. morrisae n. sp. differ from F. brevicauda , F. camaldulensae , F. curriei , F. dealbatae , F. eugenioidae n. sp., F. fisheri , F. juliae n. sp., and F. tumifaciens , all of which have a shorter bursa. The hemizonid is further anterior to the secretory/excretory pore in F. morrisae n. sp. than in F. cajuputiae (respectively, 2–4 annules anterior vs at the level of the pore).

The status of F. morrisae n. sp. as a new species is supported by its sequence divergence based upon phylogenetic analyses of sequences of D2/D3 and COI ( Figs 1 View FIGURE 1 , 2 View FIGURE 2 ). From phylogenetic analyses ( Fig. 1 View FIGURE 1 ) based on sequences of D2/D3, F. morrisae n. sp. is genetically closest to Fergusobia sp. collected from FBGs (voucher 1) on E. microcarpa , F. juliae n. sp. and F. fasciculosae n. sp. The blast search of the 861 bp sequenced from D2/D3 revealed the highest matches as vouchers 1 (MSp 22), 2 (MSp 27), 63 (MSp 9), 65 ( F. fasciculosae n. sp.), and 70 (MSp 21), with 96–97% identity, 24–37 bp differences, and 9–14 gaps. The blast search of the 618 bp sequenced from COI revealed the highest matches as vouchers 24, 444, 452 and 465 (all F. m a g n a), with 95–96 identity, 24–30 bp differences and no gaps.

Etymology. Named for Krystalynne Morris, Hubbard Center for Genome Studies, University of New Hampshire, in recognition of her contributions to work on nematode phylogeny.

morphospecies, see Davies et al. 2012).

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Host plant WINC Body Tail shape Shape of tail Uterus Spicule Fergusonina Reference Species Species number shape tip sp.(where

known) E. fibrosa F. morrisae 0 0 4328 C Conoid Bluntly Not

n. sp. rounded extensile Infective

females

...... continued on the next page Host plant WINC Body Tail shape Shape of tail Uterus Spicule Fergusonina Reference

Species Species number shape tip sp.(where known)

Nematode morphology. Habitus drawings of whole nematodes collected from FBGs are presented in Fig. 7 View FIGURE 7 and drawings of the forms of spicules of the males are shown in Fig. 8 View FIGURE 8 . Brief notes on the morphology of Fergusobia nematodes recovered from FBGs on Corymbia and Eucalyptus spp. are presented in Table 6 View TABLE 6 .

Collections of Fergusobia nematodes and their associated fly larvae from flower bud galls on Corymbia and Eucalyptus are presented in Table 1. No nematode material was available from FBGs collected or recorded from C. maculata by Morgan (1933), collected from C. abbreviata by Taylor & Davies (2008), collected from E. coolabah by K.A. Davies (unpub. data), recorded from E. crebra , E. melanophloia , E. odorata or E. hemiphloia by Currie (1937), and collected from Eucalyptus sp. (Indooroopilly) by G.S. Taylor (unpub. data).

A range of species and morphospecies ( Fig. 7 View FIGURE 7 , Table 6 View TABLE 6 ) of Fergusobia nematodes have been collected from FBGs, and morphological form is not related to particular host plant groups, suggesting that the nematodes developing in particular plant groups come from more than one lineage. Parthenogenetic females have body shapes varying from arcuate to a tight C-shape, but shape is not correlated with host plant groups. The uterus is extensile in one morphospecies collected from E. baxteri (subgenus Eucalyptus ) and in F. brevicauda from E. deglupta (subgenus Minutifructus) ( Siddiqi 1994), but is not extensile in other species or morphospecies from FBG. Infective females vary similarly in general body shape, without an apparent pattern. Males also vary in body shape. Most morphospecies have angular spicules ( Fig. 8 View FIGURE 8 ), but the size of the angle varies considerably, and one (from E. deglupta ) has sub-arcuate spicules. Similarly, the ratio of the length of the manubrium and shaft to the length of the “foot” differs among morphospecies, but is not correlated with host plant groups. All males collected from FBGs on hosts from the subgenus Symphyomyrtus have a relatively short bursa (from 15–60% of body length), but Fergusobia morphospecies with both the long and short bursa were collected from hosts of the subgenus Eucalyptus . Sequencing data also suggests variability is not correlated with particular host plant groups ( Figs 1 View FIGURE 1 , 2 View FIGURE 2 ). There is thus strong evidence suggesting that the nematodes developing in particular host plant groups come from more than one lineage, and that host-switching occurred widely or that homoplasy is common.

Gall forms. The histology of some Fergusobia / Fergusonina FBGs was described by Giblin-Davis et al. (2004a). FBGs are club-shaped and larger than uninfested flower buds ( Currie 1937, Giblin-Davis et al. 2004a, Taylor et al. 2005). Representative FBGs are shown in Fig. 9 View FIGURE 9 . Each unique Fergusobia / Fergusonina mutualism appears to induce formation of one particular gall form (Davies & Giblin-Davis 2004; Davies et al. 2010a). It is therefore of interest to compare the gall forms induced by nematode/fly mutualisms thought to be related, from two groups of genetically close host plants.

On E. macrophylla and E. obliqua View in CoL , both from subgenus Eucalyptus View in CoL , locules originate in a proliferation of anther cells, are membrane-bound, and are each attached to the floret wall by an anther filament. Hypertrophied cells line the lumens of the rounded locules. Filaments in infested buds are 2–3 times the diameter of those of uninfested buds. In E. macrophylla galls, the stigma is not apparent, but it develops in similar galls on E. obliqua View in CoL . In FBGs on E. microcarpa View in CoL (Subgenus Symphyomyrtus ), locules similarly originate in a proliferation of anther cells, and the operculum is not released ( Giblin-Davis et al. 2004a, Taylor et al. 2005). Giblin-Davis et al. (2004a) also examined FBGs from E. camaldulensis View in CoL (subgenus Symphyomyrtus ), but unfortunately no specific gall material was kept as vouchers for the samples sequenced here. In these, galled tissue appeared to be a proliferation of the disc and tissues either from the base of the stigma or from the stamens. The operculum was lost in more mature galls. Ovaries appeared similar to those of uninfested buds. Anthers were not seen, but remains of filaments were present. Locules were irregular in shape. Style galls from E. fasciculosa View in CoL are inconspicuous, containing 1–3 locules, and indicated by a slightly swollen style after shedding of the operculum and dehiscence of stamens ( Taylor et al. 2005).

Thus, histological studies suggest that the tissue (anther, stigma or stamens) galled within flower buds varies with the particular mutualisms. While only anther tissue was galled in flower buds examined from hosts of the subgenus Eucalyptus View in CoL , the number of studies is too limited to allow conclusions on whether this is characteristic of galls on hosts from that subgenus.

Shield forms. Because the Fergusobia / Fergusonina View in CoL mutualism is specific, the morphology of the dorsal shield of the third instar fly larvae and pupae ( Taylor et al. 2005) can be used as a guide in identifying the phylogenetic group to which an associated nematode belongs ( Davies et al. 2010a). Brief notes on the morphology of the dorsal shield of Fergusonina View in CoL fly larvae associated with respective Fergusobia nematodes collected from various FBGs are presented in Table 7 View TABLE 7 . The dorsal shields are illustrated in Fig. 10 View FIGURE 10 .

...... continued on the next page Plant host sp. Fly sp. Gall WINC Site/s Shield form Referenc

form number e

E. Fn. tillyardi View in CoL FBG 0 0 3304 Adelaide, SA Shield formed from plate on AS 1 †

camaldulensis View in CoL confluent with a short broad plate on anterior margin of AS 2 and a short broad weakly sclerotised transverse band on posterior margin of AS 2; 7–8 long

anteriorly projecting teeth arise from posterior margin of AS 1; middle teeth are broad, long and blade-like and outer teeth are narrower and more sharply tipped

E. Fn. tillyardi View in CoL FBG ACT, VIC, SA Dorsal plate, with a rake formed of Currie

camaldulensis View in CoL , 5–7 hooks (teeth) 1937

blakelyi View in CoL ,

tereticornis View in CoL

E. coolabah View in CoL FBG 0 0 4949 Anna Creek Shield formed from plate on AS 1 † Station, SA confluent with a short broad plate on anterior margin of AS 2 and a short broad transverse band on posterior margin of AS 2; 2 short anteriorly projecting teeth arise from posterior margin of AS 1

E. fasciculosa View in CoL STG 0 0 3017 Nr. Goolwa, SA Shield formed from plate on AS 1 † confluent with a short broad plate on anterior margin of AS 2 and a short broad heavily sclerotised plate on TS3; 8–10 short sharp anteriorly projecting teeth arise from posterior margin of AS 1; second row of shorter teeth arise from posterior margin of AS 1

E. fibrosa View in CoL FBG 0 0 4201 Shute Harbour, Shield comprises 3 confluent † QLD cuticular plates, with 2 forwardly projecting teeth arising at middle of second plate and a posterior ridge developed into a

backwardly-directed projection

E. largiflorens View in CoL FBG 0 63831 Tooleybuc, NSW Shield comprises 3 confluent † cuticular plates, with 5 forwardly projecting teeth arising at middle of second plate

E.? melliodora View in CoL FBG 0 0 3401 Forbes, NSW †

E. microcarpa View in CoL FBG 0 0 4878 Horsham, VIC Shield formed from plate on AS 1 † confluent with a short broad plate on anterior margin of AS 2 and a strongly sclerotised broad plate on TS3; 2 short anteriorly projecting teeth arise from posterior margin of AS 1

...... continued on the next page Abbreviations: FBG flower bud gall; AS abdominal segment; STG stigma gall; TS thoracic segment; † Taylor unpub. obs.

Fly larvae from FBGs on Corymbia have shields comprising a few bands of sclerotised spicules. Larvae from FBGs from subgenus Eucalyptus View in CoL have shields comprising plain sclerotised plates or dots which are elaborated in some to become hinged dots/plates ( Currie 1937; G.S. Taylor unpub. data). In larvae collected from FBGs on subgenus Symphyomyrtus , all shields have the ‘plates with teeth’ form. Various degrees of elaboration are seen, being greatest in Fn. tillyardi View in CoL from E. camaldulensis View in CoL and Fergusonina View in CoL spp. from E. fasciculosa View in CoL and E. fibrosa View in CoL respectively ( Currie 1937; G.S. Taylor unpub. data). Thus, it appears that fergusoninid phylogeny is more closely correlated with host plant group than that of the nematodes.

Fly larvae with shields of the ‘plates with teeth’ form developing in FBGs have been collected only from subgenus Symphyomyrtus sections Adnataria and Exsertaria. These two sections are genetically distinct ( Steane et al. 2002), but commonly have overlapping distributions ( Brooker & Kleinig 1999; 2001). This suggests that host switching could have occurred within the section, or that homoplasy is common.

Fly larvae with shields of the ‘plates with teeth’ form were collected from FBGs and also from terminal leaf bud galls and some small galls, again only from hosts of the subgenus Symphyomyrtus , from six sections (including Adnataria and Exsertaria) ( Davies et al. 2010a, K.A. Davies unpub. data). Shields comprising plain plates have been collected from hosts of the subgenus Symphyomyrtus as well from Eucalyptus View in CoL , but not from FBGs ( Davies et al. 2010a).

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Host plant distributions and biogeography of Fergusobia . Information on the taxonomy and natural distribution of plants from which Fergusobia / Fergusonina View in CoL galls have been collected can be used to predict Fergusobia distribution and biogeography, and as a guide for future collections. In addition, knowledge of the genetic relationships of the host plants can be used to test hypotheses about co-speciation of plant and nematode/fly mutualisms. In Table 8 View TABLE 8 , brief notes are presented on the distribution and taxonomic status of the various Corymbia and Eucalyptus View in CoL spp. from which the Fergusobia / Fergusonina View in CoL FBGs were collected ( Brooker & Kleinig 1999, 2004). Given these host distributions, and the wide range of sites from which the Fergusobia / Fergusonina View in CoL mutualism has been collected, it is clear that FBGs occur widely in Australasia and the Philippines. However, at present it is not possible to determine where they developed.

Papua New Guinea was separated from the Australian mainland by the flooding of Torres Strait after the last glacial period, ca 8000 years ago. However, before that time a land bridge to Papua New Guinea was present more often than not ( Dodson 1994). This would have allowed colonization and re-colonization of Papua New Guinea by plants and animals from Australia, and may have enabled distribution of the Fergusobia / Fergusonina View in CoL mutualism both north from Australia and south from Asia.

It is not clear if E. deglupta View in CoL , a host of the fly/nematode mutualism ( Siddiqi 1994) found outside Australia in tropical south-east Asia, is a relic of early myrtaceous development, or an instance of long-distance dispersal. It occurs in New Guinea, New Britain, the Indonesian islands of Sulawesi and Ceram, and in Mindanao in the southern Philippines ( Brooker & Kleinig 2004).The phylogeography of Philippine fauna and flora is complex ( Jones & Kennedy (2008). While there is a high level of endemism, several colonization routes have been suggested, including a route from Sulawesi. Such colonization events were apparently followed by island-by-island differentiation within the Philippines ( Jones & Kennedy 2008). Eucalyptus deglupta View in CoL could have reached Mindanao via Sulawesi, as proposed by Jones & Kennedy (2008). Siddiqi’s finding of F. brevicauda and F. philippinensis , morphologically different species both developing on E. deglupta View in CoL , suggests that the two species are genetically distant. A host switch could have occurred within the Philippines, and/or the ancestors of these Fergusobia species reached the Philippines independently.

Relationships. In previous work, the molecular analyses of D2/D3 from isolates of F. eugenioidae n. sp., F. fasciculosae n. sp., F. juliae n. sp., and F. morrisae n. sp. ( Fig. 1 View FIGURE 1 ; Ye et al. 2007, Davies et al. 2010a) indicated that flower bud gallers occurred in several different clades and were associated with fly larvae having several forms of dorsal shield. These results are confirmed here. Similar groupings of F. eugenioidae n. sp., F. fasciculosae n. sp., F. juliae n. sp., albeit with different positions in the tree, were inferred with sequences of MtCOI, but F. morrisae n. sp. appeared to be basal ( Fig. 2 View FIGURE 2 ).

In our analyses, clades of Fergusobia nematodes are associated with fergusoninid flies having similar shield forms. In the D2/D3 phylogenetic tree ( Fig. 1 View FIGURE 1 ), FBGers ( F. curriei ) from E. camaldulensis View in CoL grouped with terminal leaf bud gallers ( F. brittenae ) from the same host plant species, and both were associated with fly larvae with similar shield forms ( Davies et al. 2010a). Fergusobia ptychocarpae grouped with Fergusobia (MSpp 33, 83 and 2) from four different gall forms all associated with flies lacking or with shields reduced to a few spicules, from Angophora View in CoL , Corymbia and Eucalyptus View in CoL host species. Fergusobia fasciculosae n. sp. from E. fasciculosa View in CoL grouped with pea gallers (MSpp 28 and 9) and all were associated with fly larvae having shields with two spots of sclerotised cuticle. These formed a larger group with F. morrisae n. sp. and F. juliae n. sp., associated with fly larvae having shields comprising plates with or without teeth.

From the COI phylogenetic tree ( Fig. 2 View FIGURE 2 ), sequences from Fergusobia (Msp 27) from E. obliqua View in CoL appear to be anomalous. This was discussed in Davies et al. (2010a). With COI, F. morrisae n. sp. is sister to Msp 22 from FBG on E. microcarpa View in CoL ; F. curriei remains sister to F. brittenae ; F. eugenioidae n. sp. is sister to F. juliae n. sp. in a clade with fergusobids from FBGsFBGs from E. obliqua View in CoL (MSp 27); and F. fasciculosae n. sp. groups with pea gallers as in the D2/D3 tree. Fergusobia juliae n. sp. appears to be a species complex, suggesting possible genetic drift between the geographically widely separated collection sites in the ACT and SA.

TABLE 5. Measurements (µm) of Fergusobia morrisae n. sp. from E. fibrosa (mean ± S. D. (range )).

  Holotype Parthenogenetic females Males Infective females
n 1 19 19 11
Length 274 291±22.2 (262–347) 384±23.7 (347–413) 365±21.9 (322–395)
a 7.8 8.3±0.6 (7.4–9.3) 9.6±0.9 (8.5–10.7) 10.0±0.8 (8.5–11.1)
b’ 1.6 1.9±0.4 (1.6–3.3) 3.6±0.4 (3.1–4.2) 5.7±1.1 (4.0–6.9)
c 9.9 12.5±2.2 (9.9–15.8) 9.9±1.0 (8.8–11.3) 14.3±2.7 (11.2–21.1)
c’ 1.9 1.8±0.3 (1.3–2.3) 2.1±0.2 (1.6–2.4) 1.4±0.4 (0.7–2.0)
V % 82.4 83.2±1.8 (79.1–86.7)   76.3±2.2 (73.1–79.5)
T %   69.7±7.8 (53.5–79.7)  
Body diameter 35 35±2.6 (33–45) 40±4.3 (32–52) 36±2.4 (33–43)
Stylet length 7 7.5±0.3 (7–8.0) 7.9±1.2 (7–10) 7.7±1.6 (6–10)

TABLE 6. Comparative morphology of species of Fergusobia from flower bud galls on Corymbia and Eucalyptus. (MSp

Host plant Species Species WINC number Body shape Tail shape Shape of tail tip Uterus Spicule Fergusonina sp.(where known) Reference
C. ptychocarpa F. ptychocarpae 0 0 3268 0 0 4334 0 0 4795 C Slender, conoid, curved, about 2x as long as wide Bluntly rounded Not extensile   giblindavisi Taylor & Davies 2007
E. obliqua MSp A 0 0 3470 Open C or C Short, slender Narrowly rounded Not extensile     Davies et al. 2010a
E. obliqua MSp B 003096-7 Open C or C Short, broad, sub- cylindroid Bluntly rounded Not extensile     Davies et al. 2010a
E. baxteri   0 0 4581 arcuate   Bluntly to broadly rounded extensile      
E. pauciflora   0 63854 C slender Bluntly rounded Not extensile      
E. camaldulensis F. curriei 0 63739 Open C Short, sub- triangular Sub-pointed Not extensile   tillyardi Fisher & Nickle 1968; Tonnoir 1937
E. tereticornis   0 63851 Open C Short, sub- triangular Bluntly rounded Not extensile      
E. largiflorens   0 63831 C Slender, sub- cylindroid Bluntly rounded Not extensile      
E.? melliodora   0 0 3401 C Short, broad Bluntly to broadly rounded Not extensile      
E. microcarpa   0 0 4878 C   Bluntly rounded Not extensile      
E. populnea   0 0 3087 C   Bluntly rounded Not extensile      
E. pruinosa   0 0 3445 C   Bluntly rounded Not extensile      
E. deglupta F. philippinensis   C Slender, Bluntly rounded Not extensile     Siddiqi 1994
E. deglupta F. brevicauda   C Short, broad Broadly rounded Extensil e     Siddiqi 1994
E. eugenioides F. eugenioidae n. sp. 0 0 4312 Arcuate, open C or C conoid Bluntly rounded Not extensile      
E. fasciculosa F. fasciculosae n. sp. 0 0 4498   curved Broadly rounded to sub- hemispherical Not extensile      
E. macrorrhyncha F. juliae n. sp. 0 0 4310 0 0 4516 Arcuate to C Conoid to sub-triangular Bluntly rounded Not extensile   nicholsoni Currie 1937

TABLE 7. Form of the dorsal shield on Fergusonina larvae and pupae found associated with Fergusobia nematodes from flower galls on Corymbia and Eucalyptus spp.

Plant host sp. Fly sp. Gall form WINC number Site/s Shield form Referenc e
Corymbia            
C. abbreviata Fn. thomasi View in CoL FBG 0 0 3443 Kimberley Region, WA N/A Taylor & Davies 2008
C. maculata Fn. gurneyi View in CoL FBG   Bateman’s Bay, NSW N/A Malloch 1932
C. maculata Fn. biseta View in CoL FBG   Bodalla and Bateman’s Bay, NSW N/A Malloch, 1932
C. maculata Fn. eucalypti View in CoL FBG   Bateman’s Bay, NSW 4 sclerotised plates, with first and second, and third and fourth, confluent to form 2 almondshaped areas Currie 1937
C. ptychocarpa Fn. giblindavisi View in CoL FBG 0 0 4333 Various, coastal QLD Series of raised sclerotised spicules on TS 2 and 3 Taylor & Davies 2008
Eucalyptus View in CoL subgenus Eucalyptus View in CoL E. baxteri View in CoL FBG 0 0 4581 Grampians, VIC Plain shield extending over 3 segments, fused; no teeth † E. baxteri View in CoL   FBG 0 0 4581 Grampians, VIC Plain shield extending over 3 segments, fused; no teeth
E. baxteri View in CoL   FBG 0 0 4581 Grampians, VIC Plain shield extending over 3 segments, fused; no teeth
E. eugenioides View in CoL   FBG 0 0 4221 Canberra, ACT 3 confluent dots of sclerotised cuticle
E. macrorrhyncha Fn. nicholsoni View in CoL FBG 0 0 4516 Canberra, ACT; Clare, SA Short broad sclerotised plate on posterior margin of TS3 confluent with a broader plate on AS1, and a narrower plate on anterior margin of AS2 Currie 1937; †
E. obliqua View in CoL   FBG 0 0 3094, 0 0 3096 Stirling, SA; Fleurieu Peninsular, SA Short broad sclerotised plate on posterior margin of TS3 confluent with a broader plate on AS1, and a narrower plate on anterior margin of AS2
E. obliqua View in CoL   FBG 0 0 3470   N/A  
E. pauciflora View in CoL Fergusonina View in CoL n. sp. 5 FBG 0 63798, 0 63854 Mt. Kosciusko, NSW; Canberra, ACT Weakly sclerotised rectangular plate on TS3 forming concave plate on posterior margin; hinged to a chitinous hump on anterior margin of AS1, covered with protuberances; a second concave plate at posterior margin of AS2 hinged with convex plate on anterior margin of AS3 Currie 1937; †
Eucalyptus View in CoL subgenus Symphyomyrtus            

TABLE 8. Nomenclature and distribution of Corymbia and Eucalyptus known to be hosts for Fergusobia / Fergusonina flower bud gallers.

Host sp. Common names and remarks Geographic range
Corymbia    
Section Septentrionales    
C. abbreviata Scraggy bloodwood Eastern Kimberley, WA; and adjacent parts of NT
C. maculata Spotted gum Coastal plains and hills of NSW (and inland to Albury/Wodonga), with a disjunct population near Orbost in VIC
C. ptychocarpa Swamp bloodwood. Widely grown as an ornamental; fly/nematode mutualism not recorded from within native range of host; known only from Brisbane and Cairns (Taylor & Davies 2008) Scattered in the Kimberley Region of WA, northern NT and far northwest QLD, associated with creeks and damp sites
Eucalyptus View in CoL subgenus Eucalyptus View in CoL    
Section Capillulus    
Eucalyptus baxteri View in CoL Brown stringybark Mount Lofty Range (SA) south-eastwards to VIC; also in sandy ‘desert’ country of SA and VIC
E. eugenioides View in CoL Thin leaved stringybark Coastal NSW and adjacent ranges and tablelands, extending into south-east QLD
E. macrorrhyncha Red stringybark Common, widespread in Great Dividing Range of NSW and VIC, with disjunct population near Clare, SA
Section Cineraceae    
E. pauciflora View in CoL Snow gum Highest alpine parts of the Great Dividing range in NSW and VIC, disjunct populations in south-east of SA and north-east of TAS
Section Eucalyptus View in CoL    
E. obliqua View in CoL Messmate stringybark South-eastern Australia, coastal ranges and tablelands
Eucalyptus View in CoL subgenus Symphyomyrtus    
Section Exsertaria    
E. blakelyi View in CoL Red gum Northern and southern tablelands of NSW, extending into adjacent VIC
E. camaldulensis View in CoL River red gum. The most widespread eucalypt in Australia Rivers, creeks and valleys of south-eastern Australia and WA
E. tereticornis View in CoL Forest red gum Coast and coastal ranges of NSW from Bateman’s Bay north through QLD to New Guinea
Section Adnataria    
E. crebra View in CoL Ironbark North west slopes and plains of NSW, north through eastern QLD to the southern part of Cape York Peninsula
ANIC

Australian National Insect Collection

WINC

Waite Insect and Nematode Collection

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