Microtetrameres nestorisn.sp. (Nematoda: Spirurida), a parasite of the North Island kaka,Nestor meridionalis septentrionalis(Aves: Psittaciformes)

Abstract
Microtetrameres nestoris n.sp. is described from specimens found parasitising the proventricular glands of a North Island kaka (Nestor meridionalis septentrionalis Lorenz, 1896). This is the first record of a nematode parasite of a New Zealand parrot. M. nestoris is distinguished from other members of its genus by the presence of three pairs of precloacal papillae and two pairs of postcloacal papillae, a spicule ratio of less than 20, and the absence of a gubernaculum. The pattern of coiling of the females in the proventricular glands was very variable, and is unlikely to have taxonomic significance. The presence of the parasite caused the destruction of glandular secretory cells of the proventriculus and loss of secretory function.

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