Gordius dimorphus larvae are similar to previous light microscope descriptions. However, epibenthic aquatic larvae and their terrestrial definitive hosts do not overlap in habitat. One large spine is present on the posterior portion of the postseptum. ARTICLE FIGURES & TABLES REFERENCES CITED BY Abstract To complete their life cycle, gordiids must make a transition from aquatic to terrestrial environments. On the surface of each projection, 3 pairs of aculeiforms spines are aligned and lean toward the proboscis opening. The proboscis is retractile, dorsoventrally flattened, with 1 pair of forceps-like projections on its distal-most portion.

Three concentric rings with 6 spines each surround the proboscis. Larvae have a cylindrical body, annulated and divided into 2 sections, plus an anterior preseptum and a posterior postseptum. dimorphus (2 males and 1 female) were maintained under laboratory conditions until oviposition, which occurred within long strings commonly referred to as egg strings. Scanning electron microscopy was used to analyze superficial features of Gordius dimorphus Poinar, 1991, larvae that might serve as generic or specific diagnostic characters.

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