The nematode family Cloacinidae (Strongyloidea), parasites of Australasian kangaroos, wallabies and wombats: from morphology and ecology to molecules

Abstract

The nematode parasites of Australasian macropodoid and vombatoid marsupials (kangaroos, wallabies and wombats) comprise a variety of endemic species, dominated by members of the superfamily Strongyloidea. Thus far, more than 300 species of strongyloid nematodes have been described from the gastrointestinal tracts of macropodoid (kangaroos, wallabies, rat-kangaroos and potoroos) and vombatoid (wombats) marsupials. These nematodes belong to the family Cloacinidae which is subdivided into two subfamilies, the Cloacininae and Phascolostrongylinae. This chapter reviews the historical and current understanding of their morphology, biology, ecology and recent advances in molecular phylogeny. Knowle..