Capillaria procyonis sp. n. (Nematoda: Trichuridae) from the esophagus of the raccoon, Procyon lotor.

A new species of nematode, Capillaria procyonis, is described from the esophageal epithelium of the raccoon in southern Louisiana. This species is distinguished from other similar mammalian capillarids found in this location by the terminal location of the anus and more posterior postion of the vulva in the female. In the male there is a much longer cirrus and spicule and a unique bursalike expansion of the posterior extremity. The systematics and biological implications of the new species are discussed in relation to similar forms from carnivorous and insectivorous mammals.