An anatomical and morphological study about Gordius aquaticus, linnaeus, 1758 (Nematomorpha) found in Sarıyer, Istanbul

Abstract

Nematomorpha also is known as hairworms. About 300 freshwater and 5 marine horsehair worms (Nematomorpha) species have been described to date. They are parasitic in arthropods during their juvenile stage. When they become adult they live in an aquatiç environment as free-living organisms. Most aspects of their systematics and biology are currently unknown. The aim of this paper was to investigate the anatomy and morphology of Gordius aquaticus (Nematomorpha) found in Sarıyer, Istanbul. After observing the morphology, the anatomy of the specimen was investigated under light microscopy to confirm the species as Gordius aquaticus.