A new species of Pomponema Cobb, 1917 (Nematoda: Cyatholaimidae) from Northeast of Brazil, with reference to the taxonomic status of the genera Parapomponema Ott, 1972 and Propomponema Ott, 1972 Author Cidreira, Gabriel Author Pinheiro-Junior, Eraldo P. Author Venekey, Virág Author De Souza Alves, Orane F. text Zootaxa 2019 2019-10-29 4691 1 63 77 journal article 25017 10.11646/zootaxa.4691.1.5 87c7c118-eacb-4d54-be14-db8a8b50c797 1175-5326 3527077 007AD225-030D-47D9-A6BD-268DB9C31F11 Pomponema veronicae sp. n. ( Figures 2 , 3 , 4 and 5 ; Table 1 ) Type material. Holotype male ( MNRJ-NEMA48 ) ; paratypes : 7 males ( MNRJ-NEMA50 , MPEG . NEM00202 , MPEG . NEM00203 , UFBA1401 , UFBA1402 , UFBA1403 , UFBA1404 ), 5 females ( MNRJ-NEMA49 , MNRJ- NEMA51 , MPEG . NEM00204 , UFBA1405 , UFBA1406 ) and 4 juveniles ( MNRJ-NEMA52 , MPEG . NEM00205 , UFBA1407 , UFBA1408 ). Pomponema veronicae sp. n. was found in the three strata collected. Type locality. Intertidal zone of Itapuã beach (between 12°57’25”S , 38°21’13”W and 12°57’24”S , 38°21’19”W ), northeast of Brazil . This beach is 1.5 km long ( Silva et al. 2009 ) and its sediment is composed of fine to medium sized sand grains ( Bittencourt 1975 ). Etymology. The specific epithet is given in honor of the memory of professor Dr. Verônica Gomes da Fonsêca- Genevois, in recognition of her contribution to nematode ecology and taxonomy. Description. Holotype and paratype males. Body slender, 1838 μm long ( 1708–1999 μm) ( Figs. 2A and 3A ). Cuticle with transverse rows of dots. Lateral differentiation consisting of two longitudinal rows of dots with transverse bars, beginning approximately at middle of pharynx ( Figs. 2D, 2E and 3D ). Head with six setiform inner labial sensilla, 9 μm long (9–10 μm) followed by six setiform outer labial sensilla, 21 μm long (20–23 μm). Cephalic setae difficult to observe probably because the outer labial setae are jointed in the same circle with cephalic setae, and so small and adherent to the six larger setae that they cannot be detected, or they are absent. Amphideal fovea dorsally multispiral with 4½ turns, 16 μm in diameter (16–17 μm), 49% of the corresponding body diameter (44–50%), situated at the level of buccal cavity ( Fig. 2B ). Buccal cavity large, cheilostom with distinctly cuticularized twelve rugae and pharyngostom with a large pointed dorsal tooth, two subventral teeth, and pairs of denticles ( Figs. 2C and 3C ). Pharynx cylindrical, slightly enlarged posteriorly, but without forming a bulb ( Fig. 2D ). Cardia not distinct. Nerve ring at 113 μm from anterior end (119–136 μm). Excretory pore opening at 134 μm from anterior end (127–148 μm). Two testes. Spicules slightly arched with distal expansion, 46 μm long (44–47 μm). Gubernaculum with two L-shaped lateral plates ( Figs. 2H and 3F ). Gubernaculum with a membrane at its distal end that connects to L-shaped plate. Ventral orifice at distal end of L-shaped plates present. Twenty precloacal supplements, 7–8 μm long (8–9 μm) and with 7–8 μm of distance between them (6–8 μm), consisting of an outer plate and an inner plate crossed by a fine canal ( Fig. 2G ). Tail conico-cylindrical with a swollen tip and with short lateral setae, 7.9 of the anal body diameter (6.8–7.9) ( Figs. 2F and 3E ). FIGURE 2. Pomponema veronicae sp. n. , holotype male MNRJ-NEMA48. A: overview; B: lateral view of anterior end, showing amphideal fovea, head setae and lateral punctations of cuticle; C: buccal cavity showing dorsal tooth, pairs of small subventral teeth and pairs of denticles; D: lateral differentiation of cuticle and pharynx; E: lateral differentiation of cuticle; F: lateral view of posterior end, showing precloacal supplements, spicule, gubernaculum, caudal glands and tail; G: precloacal supplements; H: spicule and gubernaculum. FIGURE 3. Pomponema veronicae sp. n. , holotype male MNRJ-NEMA48. A: overview; B: lateral view of anterior end, showing head setae, buccal cavity with dorsal tooth (1) and pairs of small subventral teeth (2); C: buccal cavity showing pairs of denticles; D: lateral differentiation of cuticle; E: lateral view of posterior end, showing precloacal supplements (1), spicules and gubernaculum (2), and tail; F: precloacal supplements (1), spicules and gubernaculum (2). FIGURE 4. Pomponema veronicae sp. n. , paratype female MNRJ-NEMA49. A: overview; B: lateral view of anterior end, showing amphideal fovea, head setae and lateral punctations of cuticle; C: buccal cavity showing dorsal tooth, pairs of small subventral teeth and pairs of denticles; D: reproductive system; E: lateral view of posterior end, showing anus, lateral differentiation of cuticle and tail. FIGURE 5. Pomponema veronicae sp. n. , paratype female MNRJ-NEMA49. A: overview; B: lateral view of anterior end, showing amphideal fovea and lateral punctations of cuticle; C: buccal cavity showing dorsal tooth (1) and pairs of small subventral teeth (2); D: reproductive system showing vulva; E: lateral view of posterior end, showing anus. Paratype females. Similar to males in most morphological characters, except for smaller amphideal fovea diameter ( 10–14 µm ), 33–34% of the corresponding body diameter with 3½ turns ( Fig. 4B ), and tail slightly longer than males ( 266–336 µm ). Reproductive system didelphic, amphidelphic, with gonads situated ventrally ( Figs. 4A, 4D and 5D ). Vulva slit-like, located approximately midway of body, 46–51% of total body length ( 843–1036 µm distant from anterior end). Juveniles. Similar to adults, except for smaller size of morphological characters, fewer turns of amphideal fovea (3¼), absence of some characteristics such as supplements, and reproductive system immature.