Molecular phylogeny and character evolution of the chthamaloid barnacles (Cirripedia: Thoracica)

► This study presents the first well-supported phylogeny of the Chthamaloidea. ► Catophragmidae and Chthamalidae form two clades. ► Chthamaloid barnacles showing four to eight shell plates did not lose them gradually but convergently. ► All chthamaloid subfamilies and several of their genera do not form monophyletic assemblages. ► The current classification of the Chthamaloidea needs to be revised in order to reflect its evolutionary relationships.