Heteroxynema is a genus of nematodes found in the family of Heteroxynematidae. This genus evolved within the Myomorpha, Caviomorpha and Sciuromorpha infraorders. Certain parasites of these families Muroidea and Sciuridae came from heteroxynema.
Distribution Heteroxynema eggs have been found in fossil form in northwestern Patagonia, Argentina, where they could locate specific species. Heteroxynema is also known for parasitizing some nematode species in Oregon, New Mexico, Idaho, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and three places in Mexico.
Host associations This genus infects nine different species of squirrels, rodents (chipmunks, prairie dogs, etc.), biomorphs, and caviomorphs.
Species found
Heteroxynema viscaciae Heteroxynema cucullatum
References
Further reading Aquino-Camacho, M. F., Fernández, J. A., & Falcón-Ordaz, J. (2024). Range extension and new records of two Oxyuroidea Cobbold, 1864 parasitizing Cliff Chipmunk, Neotamias dorsalis (Baird, 1855), in the Área de Protección de Flora y Fauna Cerro del Mohinora, Chihuahua, México. Check List, 20(5), 1164-1170
Petter, A. J., & Quentin, J. C. (1976). CIH keys to the nematode parasites of vertebrates. No. 4. Keys to genera of the Oxyuroidea.