Systematic implications of male caudal morphology in ascaridoid nematode parasites

Abstract

In view of earlier results, suggesting a considerable stability in the number and distribution patterns of caudal papillae and papillae-like structures in the male of some ascaridoid species, these features are analysed more generally within the superfamily Ascaridoidea. They include the single pair of phasmids on the tail, four pairs of distal papillae some of which are considered in some cases to occur anterior to the level of the cloaca, two pairs of paracloacal papillae, a median papilla or plaque, and numerous pairs of proximal papillae some of which may be situated posterior to the level of the cloaca. The exceptions to this general pattern and the systematic and phylogenetic significance of caudal morphology are discussed.