14 



Mindeskrift for J. Steenstrup. XXV. 



Experiments have thus shown that Blatta germanica as well is able to serve as a 

 host to the nematode. 



In order to ascertain whether the nematode might be able to use the Tenehrio 

 molitor (weal-worm) as a host in the same way as the Spiroptera ohtusa, the following 

 experiments were made: 



A great number of larvæ and fuUy developed specimens of Tenehrio molitor from 

 the ^Ve — V7 1911 were fed daily on fæces containing eggs, originating from wild brown 

 infected rats (from the sugar-refmery). Likewise another number of Tenehrio molitor 

 were fed daily from the ^'"/b — ^^/s 1912. 



On examination of some Tenehrio molitor about 2V/2 months after the beginning 

 of the feeding no Spiroptera could be found in the muscles. 



The rats were killed 13 — 42 days after the feeding 



Experiments, thus, have shown that not only the cockroaches 

 {P. americana, P. orientalis and Blatta germanica) but also the Tenehrio molitor is 

 able to serve as a host to the Spiroptera in question. 



As the nematode here dealt with has not been described before we propose 

 to give it the name Spiroptera neoplastica. The morphological examination of this 

 species made in the zoological museum of the University of Copenhagen by H. Dit- 

 levsen has given the following results. 



