Acastocephala

Acastocephala is a genus of parasitic worms belonging to the phylum Acanthocephala, commonly known as thorny-headed worms. These endoparasites infect a variety of vertebrate hosts, typically fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals, and require an arthropod intermediate host to complete their life cycle.

Acastocephala worms are characterized by their cylindrical body and a proboscis armed with hooks, which they use to attach to the intestinal wall of their definitive host. This attachment can cause physical damage to the host's tissues and interfere with nutrient absorption.

The taxonomy of Acastocephala, like other Acanthocephala genera, has been subject to revisions, with some species being reclassified over time based on morphological and molecular data. The identification of specific Acastocephala species often relies on detailed examination of the proboscis hook arrangement and other anatomical features.

Further research is ongoing to fully understand the biodiversity, distribution, and life cycle details of various Acastocephala species, as well as their impact on host health and ecosystem dynamics. Information regarding specific species within the Acastocephala genus can be found in specialized parasitology databases and taxonomic literature.