Clarifying the taxonomic status of Syphatineria ( Africanoxys ) cepapi Hugot, 1981 (Nematoda: Oxyuridae) in Paraxerus cepapi Smith, 1836 with new insights into its morphology, ecology and genetics

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Abstract Syphatineria ( Africanoxys ) cepapi Hugot, 1981, a pinworm in the family Oxyuridae, has been described from Smith’s bush squirrel, Paraxerus cepapi Smith, 1836, in South Africa. The current taxonomic description is based on a few specimens from a single squirrel individual and a single locality. To substantiate the species description, additional morphological data derived from 70 male and 70 female St. cepapi specimens were obtained from 79 P. cepapi host individuals, and these originated from 7 South African localities. Ten St. cepapi individuals were also sequenced for the mtDNA Cytochrome Oxidase I gene to provide molecular barcode information for the species and an additional phylogenetic context; 2 individuals were also sequenced for the 18S rRNA gene fragment. In total, 11 112 St. cepapi individuals were recorded and the prevalence per locality ranged between 50 and 100%. Female nematodes (62%) were more common than males (38%). All defining morphological features were measured and provided more insights into the original description of St. cepapi and other Syphatineria Chabaud and Biocca, 1955 species that are associated with African squirrels. Several key features in males – 2 mamelons, a simple spicule and an elongated gubernaculum with an accessory hook with 2 laterally situated horns, were present. Females were characterized by a long, slender shape, a protruding vulva and eggs with a flattened side and small operculum. Phylogenetic analyses placed St. cepapi monophyletic and well separated from other potentially closely related species. The additional morphological and molecular data strengthen the species diagnosis and support its taxonomic distinctness.

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