Review of the genus polymorphus luhe, 1911 (acanthocephala:polymorphidae), with the synonymization of hexaglandula petrochenko, 1950, and subcorynosoma hoklova, 1967, and a key to the species

Abstract

The position, concept and composition of the genus Polymorphus (= Profilicollis Meyer, 1931; Falsifilicollis Webster, 1948; Parafincollis Petrochenko, 1950; Subfilicollis Hoklova, 1967) are critically evaluated and a new diagnosis of the genus is proposed based on the designation of Hexaglandula Petrochenko, 1950 and Subcorynosoma Hoklova, 1967 as junior synonyms. Other taxonomic changes proposed include the reassignment of Polymorphus brevis (= Arhythmorhynchus brevis) back to Polymorphus, the synonymization of Polymorphus magnus with Polymorphus minutus, the recognition of Polymorphus pupa and of the questionable status of" Polymorphus trochus Van Cleave, 1945 sensu Hoklova, 1966. Hoklova's subgenera are reviewed and rejected. Only two subgenera are recognized, Po/ymorpAusLuhe, 1911 with 36 species and Profilicollis Meyer, 1931 with 10 species. A key to species of the genus is provided.