What question did this study set out to answer?

The research aims to clarify the evolutionary placement of Whittingtonocotyle using molecular data.

March 12, 2026Acta Parasitologica0 citationsOpen Access

Phylogenetic Placement of Whittingtonocotyle Neto, Rodrigues & Domingues, 2015 (Monopisthocotyla: Dactylogyridae) Inferred from the First Molecular Data of Both Described Species

MOMelissa Miyuki Osaki-Pereira ASAndré Luiz Quagliatto Santos RSR. J. Da Silva

Key Points

The research aims to clarify the evolutionary placement of Whittingtonocotyle using molecular data.
Utilized morphological data to support Whittingtonocotyle as a distinct genus
Conducted molecular analyses to examine phylogenetic relationships
Evaluated close proximity to Urocleidoides associated with erythrinid fish
Highlighted the need for expanded taxon sampling and multilocus datasets
Morphological data confirm Whittingtonocotyle as a distinct genus
Molecular analyses show close phylogenetic relationship to Urocleidoides
Identified limitations in resolving deeper evolutionary relationships

Abstract

Morphological data support the recognition of Whittingtonocotyle as a distinct genus, whereas molecular analyses indicate a close phylogenetic proximity to erythrinid-associated Urocleidoides. This partial incongruence, together with the limited resolution of deeper relationships, highlights the need for expanded taxon sampling and multilocus datasets to fully resolve the evolutionary placement of Whittingtonocotyle within Dactylogyridae.

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