Centrorhynchidae is a family of parasitic worms. Three species of these thorny-headed worms in the genus Centrorhynchus were found to parasitize birds of prey and owls Slovakia. These hosts include Buteo buteo, Buteo rufinus, Falco tinnunculus, Asio otus, Strix aluco, Strix uralensis and Tyto alba.

Species

Centrorhynchidae contains three genera and many species:

Centrorhynchus

Centrorhynchus Lühe, 1911 contains numerous species: The complete mitochondrial genome of C. aluconis has been sequenced. C. globirostris infests the pheasant crow (Centropus sinensis) in Pakistan. A genetic analysis has been completed. C. nahuelhuapensis was found in the intestine of the rufous-legged owl (Strix rufipes) in Patagonia, Argentina. The proboscis is armed with 31–33 rows of hooks 16 or 17 hooks per row. The hooks in each row are distributed into 5 true hooks, 4 transitional hooks, and 7–8 spiniform hooks. It has three cement glands. The worm has a filiform body. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted using the small and large ribosomal subunits confirming the placement of this species in the genus Centrorhynchus.

Neolacunisoma

Neolacunisoma Amin and Canaris, 1997 contains only one genus:

Sphaerirostris

Sphaerirostris Golvan, 1956 contains many species: