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Taxa

Acanthocephala

Phylum

Acanthocephala is a phylum of parasitic worms known as acanthocephalans, or thorny-headed worms, characterized by an eversible proboscis armed with spines that they use to pierce and hold the gut wall of their host. Acanthocephalans have complex life cycles involving at least two hosts, which may include invertebrates, fish, amphibians, birds and mammals, and about 1,420 species have been described.

Facts
Taxonomic Rank
Phylum / Division 1
Scientific Name
Acanthocephala 1
Member Species/Taxa Count
1420 1
Defining Characteristics
Characterized by the presence of an eversible proboscis, armed with spines, which it uses to pierce and hold the gut wall of its host. 1
Identification
Distinguishing Appearance
The most notable feature is an anterior, protrudable proboscis usually covered with spiny hooks, hence the common name thorny or spiny headed worm. 1
Classification
Living or Extinct
Yes 2
Sources
1. Acanthocephala (Wikipedia)
Wikipedia
  • History section
    The Acanthocephala were long thought to be a discrete phylum.
  • Lead section, second sentence
    About 1,420 species have been described.
  • Lead section, first sentence
    characterized by the presence of an eversible proboscis, armed with spines, which it uses to pierce and hold the gut wall of its host.
  • Morphology, Proboscis subsection
    The most notable feature of the acanthocephala is the presence of an anterior, protrudable proboscis that is usually covered with spiny hooks (hence the common name: thorny or spiny headed worm).
  • In Group: Minor Animal Phyla, Lead
    Acanthocephala (Greek ἄκανθος, akanthos 'thorn' + κεφαλή, kephale 'head') is a group of parasitic worms known as acanthocephalans, thorny-headed worms, or spiny-headed worms, characterized by the presence of an eversible proboscis, armed with spines, which it uses to pierce and hold the gut wall of its host.
View the Source
2. Wikidata (taxon extant/extinct status)
Wikimedia Foundation / Wikidata contributorsQ178235, descriptionView the Source
Wikidata: Acanthocephala
Wikidata Q178235, class allow-list match (w-wdresolver-0926)View the Source
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