Higher Taxon TEMNOCEPHALIDA Blanchard, 1849

Museums

Regional Maps

Introduction

A detailed history of the classification of temnocephalan platyhelminthes was presented by Williams (1981). In this review, historical controversy regarding the taxonomic affinity of temnocephalans is reviewed, especially hypotheses regarding the affinity of the group with monogenean platyhelminths. Difficulties with the taxonomic placement of temnocephalans was due in large part to the presence of these worms as external symbionts on crayfish hosts, leading many workers to attribute them to leeches or monogeneans. Williams (1981) examined the ultrastructure of the tegument and the internal anatomy of species of Temnocephala from New Zealand. Multiple lines of evidence supported her hypothesis that temnocephalans were not best classified within Monogenea, but were more closely allied with turbellarians. A superclass system, recognising Temnocephalida and Turbellaria as distinct classes, yet united in one superclass separate to other Platyhelminthes was proposed.

Cannon & Sewell (1994) reviewed the presence of ectosymbionts on Australian freshwater crustaceans, with especial reference to the temnocephalans. They argued that ectosymbionts on species of crayfishes were also worthy of protection as valuable parts of biodiversity and ecosystem health.

General References

Cannon, L.R.G. & Sewell, K.B. 1994. Symbionts and biodiversity. Memoirs of the Queensland Museum 36: 33-40

Williams, J.B. 1981. Classification of Temnocephaloidea (Platyhelminthes). Journal of Natural History 15: 277-299

History of changes