Systematics of the Nematomorpha

The stringworms (Nematomorpha) comprise about 360 species, which are dealt with by very few experts (worldwide). On the basis of more than 2500 individuals from all over the world that have been studied so far, a comprehensive overview of the diversity of this group has been obtained. More than 40 species have been newly described, and a number of genera, including the species-rich Gordius and Chordodes, have been studied more intensively. Scanning electron microscopy is primarily used for species identification, and we are also beginning to sequence CO1 in order to characterise species that are difficult to distinguish. There are ongoing collaborations with researchers in Argentina, India and Georgia.