Two new species of the genus Epsilonema Steiner, 1927 (Nematoda: Epsilonematidae) from the Black Sea

Two new nematode species, Epsilonema tauricum sp. nov. and Epsilonema nelliae sp. nov. are described from biofouling on the walls of the Catherine Grotto (southwestern Crimea) in the Black Sea. Epsilonema tauricum sp. nov. is characterized by thin cuticular annules, each ornamented with tiny ridges; sexual dimorphism in amphideal fovea size; gubernaculum with a small dorso-anteriorly directed apophysis and five or six copulatory thorns. Epsilonema nelliae sp. nov. is characterized by smooth, non-overlapping cuticular annules with inner lumen and by sexual dimorphism in amphideal fovea shape and size. The worldwide distribution of species belonging to the genus Epsilonema is provided.