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Order LECANICEPHALIDEA Wardle & McLeod, 1952


Compiler and date details

March 2014 - ABRS with data supplied by Prof. Ian Beveridge, Melbourne University

20 November 2004

Introduction

The Lecanicephalidea, currently comprising four families and five valid genera (Euzet 1994), is parasitic in the spiral valves of elasmobranch fishes. The features of the segments of members of this order are very similar to those of the Tetraphyllidea, and in some classifications (Euzet 1959; Butler 1987a), the Lecanicephalidea has been treated as a superfamily or a family within the Tetraphyllidea. Similarities with the Tetraphyllidea include the distal vagina lying anterior to the cirrus sac and the distribution of vitelline follicles (ususally) in two lateral groups. The distribution of testes, structure of ovary and uterus are also similar. Members of the Lecanicephalidea differ from tetraphyllideans in having a bipartite scolex, the posterior part bearing four suckers and the anterior part either forming an enormous muscular protrusion termed a metaporhynchus, or numerous retractile tentacles. Generic and family relationships within the order are controversial with most authors suggesting a detailed re-examination of all type species, preferably collected from the type locality and host (Campbell & Williams 1984; Butler 1987a; Euzet 1994). Caira et al. (2001) have provided evidence that the Lecanicephalidea is a monophyletic assemblage.

The classification followed here is that of Euzet (1994) which recognises four families, Anteroporidae Euzet, 1994, Lecanicephalidae Braun, 1900, Polypocephalidae Meggitt, 1924 and Tetragonocephalidae Yamaguti, 1959. Of these, Polypocephalidae and Tetragonocephalidae have been reported from Australia. Specimens of the Lecanicephalidae are present in the collections of the South Australian Museum, but have not been described formally. The genus Hornellobothrium Shipley & Hornell, 1906 has also been reported in Australia (Butler 1987b). However, while belonging to the Lecanicephalidea, its allocation to a family is uncertain (Euzet 1994). It is therefore treated following Euzet (1994) as Lecanicephalidea incertae sedis.

The most recent review of the Lecanicephalidea is the monograph by Jensen (2005). It provides generic and species descriptions, but not families. Genera described recently have not been allocated to the families recognised by Euzet (1994) and are listed under the title “Unplaced to family”.

The most recent review of the Lecanicephalidea is the monograph by Jensen (2005). It provides generic and species descriptions, but not families. Genera described recently have not been allocated to the families recognised by Euzet (1994) and are listed under the title “Unplaced to family”.

 

History of changes

Note that this list may be incomplete for dates prior to September 2013.
Published As part of group Action Date Action Type Compiler(s)
18-Sep-2014 LECANICEPHALIDEA Wardle & McLeod, 1952 18-Sep-2014 MODIFIED
12-Feb-2014 LECANICEPHALIDEA Wardle & McLeod, 1952 17-Mar-2014 MODIFIED
12-Feb-2010 (import)