Phylogenetic relationships of three tribes of cloacinine nematodes (Strongylida: Chabertiidae) from macropodid marsupials.

Abstract

The phylogenetic relationships of 42 species of cloacinine nematodes belonging to three tribes (Coronostrongylinea, Macropostrongylinea and Zoniolaiminea) were examined based on sequence data of the first and second internal transcribed spacers (ITS-1 and ITS-2) of the nuclear ribosomal DNA. All nematodes examined are parasites of Australian macropodid marsupials. None of the three nematode tribes was monophyletic. Paraphyly was also encountered in three genera: Papillostrongylus, Monilonema and Wallabinema. Species within the genus Thallostonema were limited to a single host genus (i.e. Thylogale), whereas species within the five principal genera (Coronostrongylus, Macropostrongylus, Popovastrongylus, Wallabinema and Zoniolaimus) were found to occur in multiple host genera. Potential modes of evolution among these nematodes are discussed.