Falcaustra tannaensis

Falcaustra tannaensis is the 87th discovered species of the nematode genus Falcaustra.[1] It has been identified in geckos from Tanna Island, Vanuatu.[1] Species of Falcaustra have been known parasites that occur in the digestive tracts of fish, amphibians, and mammals.[1] Until 2010, none had ever been identified in the South Pacific Islands.[1]

Falcaustra tannaensis is a nematode with a cylindrical body tapering anteriorly and posteriorly.[1] It has a thin cuticle with fine, regular striations.[1] Mouth opening is triangular, surrounded by 3 large lips, each with 2 papillai, amphidial pore at lateral edge of each subventral lip.[1] Its lip support is lightly sclerotized. Cervical papillae slightly posterior to nerve ring, inconspicuous. The tail is conical and pointed in both sexes.[1] It is also related to Falcaustra pelusios, a nematode that infects the gastrointestinal tract of turtles.[2]