Turbellarian taxonomic database

Bertiliella bathycola Diagnosis


0.5 - 0.7 mm long.Spicules arranged in transverse rings (approximately 50-60 in number. Each ring with superficial and a deeper layer of spicules, crossing each other in their orientation to the main body axis. The orientation of the spicules in one transverse ring is always the mirror image of the arrangement in th etwo adjacent rings. Spicules in the superficial layer 20 µm long and 2.5 µm wide; in the deeper layer 21 µm long and 3 µm wide; the latter more closely packed. Spicules at the anterior end shorter and pointed (15 µm long and 2 µm wide). Proboscis small, 10 µm long, reduced. Proboscis sheath long, 30-40 µm. Mouth opening at U33, pharynx 20 µm long and 25 µm wide, oriented vertically to the main body axis. With extreme separation of a male and female phase. Seminal vesicles 20 µm long, connected with the 20 µm long prostatic vesicle by a very short ductus intervesiculairs. Male stylet straight, conical, 40 µm long. Vitellarium paired in its anterior region, germarium unpaired. Uterus 40 µm long. Genital pore at U78.

[From Rieger RM, Sterrer W (1975): 232]


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