The Role of Cuticular Strata Nomenclature in the Systematics of Nemata

A system of cuticular nomenclature based on the strata observed in Enoplia is proposed. Nematode cuticle is divided into four fundamental strata: epicuticle, exocuticle, mesocuticle, and endocuticle. Application of this system allows the correlation of complementary strata throughout Nemata. The major taxonomic categories within Nemata are differentiated on the basis of their cuticular strata as compared with the Enoplia model cuticle.