Mastophorus muris (Gmelin, 1790) is a globally distributed parasitic nematode of broad range mammals. The taxonomy within the genus Mastophorus and the cryptic diversity among the genus are controversial among taxonomists. This study provides a detailed morphological description of M. muris from Mus musculus combined with a molecular phylogenetic approach. Moreover, descriptions and molecular data of M. muris from non-Mus rodents and wildcats complement our findings and together provide new insights into their taxonomy. The analysis of M. muris was based on light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The morphological description focused on the dentition pattern of the two trilobed pseudolabia. Additionally, we described the position of the vulva, arrangement of caudal pairs of papillae, spicules and measured specimens from both sexes and the eggs. For the molecular phylogenetic approach, we amplified the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer, and the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1. Mastophorus morphotypes based on dentition patterns and phylogenetic clustering indicate a subdivision of the genus in agreement with their host. We recognize two groups without a change to formal taxonomy: One group including those specimens infecting Mus musculus, and the second group including organisms infecting non-Mus rodents. Our genetic and morphological data shed light into the cryptic diversity within the genus Mastopohorus. We identified two host-associated groups of M. muris. The described morphotypes and genotypes of M. muris allow a consistent distinction between host-associated parasites.

Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität Zu Berlin Experimental and Clinical Research Center Lindenberger Weg 80 13125 Berlin Germany

Comparative Electron Microscopy Institute for Biology Humboldt University Berlin Philippstr 13 Haus 14 10115 Berlin Germany

Department of Molecular Parasitology Institute for Biology Humboldt University Berlin Philippstr 13 Haus 14 10115 Berlin Germany

Experimental and Clinical Research Center a cooperation between the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association and the Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin Berlin Germany

Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine Freie University Berlin Robert Von Ostertag Straße 7 14163 Berlin Germany

Institute of Parasitology Justus Liebig University Gießen Schubertstr 81 35392 Gießen Germany

Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association Robert Rössle Str 10 13125 Berlin Germany

Research Facility Studenec Institute of Vertebrate Biology Czech Academy of Sciences Květná 8 603 65 Brno Czech Republic

Research Group Ecology and Evolution of Molecular Parasite Host Interactions Leibniz Institut for Zoo and Wildlife Research Im Forschungsverbund Berlin E 5 Alfred Kowalke Straße 17 10315 Berlin Germany

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