Steinernema goweni  San-Blas, Morales-Montero, Portillo,

Nermut’ & Puža, 2016

Summary: Steinernema goweni, a member of the bicornutum-group, was isolated in Zulia state north-western Venezuela. Steinernema goweni is characterized by morphometrics of its infective juveniles, with body length 640 (531-719) μm, pharynx length of 119 (109-126) μm, tail of 67 (59-89) μm, c = 9 (6-11) and E% = 77 (48-94). The first generation male can be recognized by the spicule shape and length of 55 (50-57) μm, gubernaculum length of 35 (30-40) μm, and D% value 42 (28-59), which is at the lower limit within the bicornutum-group. The number of male genital papillae is also distinctive, presenting up to 27 (13 pairs + one) papillae in 15% of specimens. The phasmids can be seen in scanning
electron microscopy in all stages, characters not previously reported within the bicornutum-group. Phylogenetic analyses of the bicornutum-group based on both ITS (KR781038) and D2-D3 (KR781039) regions showed a clear separation of S. goweni from the other species and formed a strongly supported group of American species.

Patronym in honour of Dr Simon Gowen