A morphological and molecular phylogenetic analysis of relationships between genera of the nematode sub-family Cloacininae (Stossich) (Strongyloidea: Chabertiidae) parasitic in kangaroos, wallabies and rat-kangaroos (Marsupialia: Macropodoidea)

Abstract

A phylogenetic analysis of the genera of the strongyloid sub-family Cloacininae from macropodoid marsupials in Australasia was undertaken based on morphological characteristics and analysis of concatenated sequences (ITS+) of the first (ITS-1) and second (ITS-2) internal transcribed spacers of nuclear ribosomal DNA. Neither approach provided a robust phylogeny, but similarities between the two methods in terms of generic groupings suggested that substantial revision is needed of the current phenetic classification, with some of the key morphological characteristics currently used to define genera and tribes proving to be homoplasious.