The evolutionary expansion of the Spirurida.

The possible origins of the 12 superfamilies of the Spirurida are considered, based on comparative morphology, host and geographic distributions. The available evidence suggests a complex origin of these nematodes, some families being derived from the Seuratoidea, and others from the Cosmocercoidea (Ascaridida). The spirurid radiation is an old one and seems to have occurred primarily in the Secondary or early Tertiary eras. Since then, expansion has occurred with host capture as a prominent mechanism. The Dracunculoidea Procamallanidae and Camallanidae are probably derived from the Chitwoodchabaudiidae and the Rictularioidea from the Schneidernematidae. The Seuratidae may have given rise to the Gnathostomatoidea, the Physalopteroidea, the Thelazioidea, the Habronematoidea, the Spiruroidea and the Acuarioidea. The filarioid nematodes appear to have several origins with the Diplotriaenoidea derived from the Spiruroidea, while constituents of the Aproctoidea derived from the Cystidicolinae, the Seuratoidea and the Spiruroidea. The Filarioidea are thought to have arisen from the Spiruroidea and the Thelazioidea. The evolution of tissue parasitism as a secondary phenomenon is considered in various groups.