Scanning electron microscopy of adult Gongylonema pulchrum (Nematoda: Spirurida)

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to study the surface ultrastructure of adult worms of Gongylonema pulchrum. The anterior end in both sexes was covered by numerous cuticular platelets. There was a pair of lateral cervical papillac. The buccal opening was small and extended in the dorsoventral direction. Around the mouth a cuticular elevation enclosed the labia, and eight papillae were located laterodorsally and lateroventrally. Two large lateral amphids were seen. On the lateral sides of the female's tail, phasmidal apertures were observed. The caudal end of the male was asymmetrically alate and bore 10 pairs of papillae and two phasmidal apertures.