Spiruroidea

A superfamily of arthropod-borne nematode parasites of the alimentary tract, respiratory system, or orbital, nasal, or oral cavities of vertebrates. They are common and frequently pathogenic parasites of domestic mammals and birds, producing ulcerations from penetration of the anterior end of these spiny worms through the alimentary lining; includes the families Acuariidae, Gnathostomatidae, Rictulariidae, Seuratidae, Physalopteridae, Spiruridae, and Thelaziidae. [G. speiroeides, spiral]

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Spi·ru·roi·dea (spi″roo-roiґde-ə) a superfamily of phasmid nematodes, including the families Gnathostomatidae, Physalopteridae, Spirocercidae, and Thelaziidae.