Infraclass (biology)

In taxonomy, an infraclass is a further subdivision of a biological subclass. For example:

• Phylum Arthropoda: Crustaceans and Chelicerates
  • Subphylum: Crustacea
    • Class: Maxillopoda
      • Infraclass Cirripedia: Barnacles

This taxonomic description would then continue through order to a specific species. An infraclass is often used where there is some debate whether a division should be a class in its own right.