[ Slide Set IV ]
Nematodes
Some predatory nematodes have large buccal cavities (or mouths) equipped with one or more teeth. Prey may be swallowed whole or their cuticle pierced and the body contents sucked out. Other predatory nematodes are equiped with a hollow spear which they use to pierce the cuticle and ingest the body fluids of their prey.
The predatious nematode Odontopharynx longicaudata. Note the large dorsal tooth in the mouth of the nematode.
Photo by J. Chitamber
Head of Aporcelaimellus obscurus showing spear-shaped mouth parts. This nematode preys on nematodes, mites, and enchytraeid eggs.
Drawing by G. Thorne, Photo by P. G. Mullin
Seinura sp. feeding on an unidentified nematode. The predator has pierced the cuticle of its prey with its spear-like mouth parts and is ingesting the internal body fluids.
Mites
Insects
Tardigrades (Water Bears)
Protozoans