Kingdom Animalia Higher classification Enoplea | Phylum Nematoda Rank Subclass | |
Similar Enoplea, Roundworms, Dorylaimida, Trichocephalida, Mermithida | ||
Description
In general, members of subclass Dorylaimia exhibit a great diversity of terrestrial and freshwater species, most of which are large predators or omnivorous free-living species. Some are plant parasites whereas others are animal parasite (Trichinellida and Mermithida). No members of the Dorylaimia are found in marine habitats. Dorylaimia bears an odontostyle, a protrusible, hollow, needlelike tooth for puncturing and emptying food items.
Taxonomy
Phylogenetic analysis of phylum Nematoda suggests three distinct basal clades, the dorylaims, enoplids and chromadorids. These represent Clades I, II and C+S of Blaxter (1998). Of these, the first two appear to have sister clade status, allowing resolution into two classes, Enoplea and Chromadorea, and division of the former into two subclasses corresponding to Clades I and II respectively, the Enoplia and Dorylaimia. Nevertheless the possibility remains that dorylaimia will eventually be shown to be a distinct third class of nematode.
Subdivision
Phylogenetic analysis has resulted in a reorganisation with, for instance moving Triplonchida to sublass Enoplia.
Subclass Dorylaimia is divided into the following orders;