Turbellarian taxonomic database

Abstract / Notes

The turbellarian fauna of the Black Sea and environs is considered; Dalyellia bardeaui* (p. 424) is new. The
fauna of the Black Sea is similar to that of Swiss lakes. There are 4 shore zones the west shore, shallow,
bottom of stones and coarse sand, good rhabdocoel fauna; south shore, fine sand and mud, much equisetum, no
Turbellaria; steep stony type of shore, a few rhabdocoels and Planaria alpina; and the remaining shore, of
fine sand and clay, with algae, fair fauna. Springs, spring-fed brooks, and torrents running into the Black
Sea had a rich turbellarian fauna, particularly in the moss on the stones in such streams. Forms in mountain
torrents and cascades were surprisingly abundant, contrary to the usual idea that turbellarians prefer quiet
waters. The majority of the swift water turbellarians were identical with those found in quiet waters but
there are probably a few rheophile species. The geographical distribution of Turbellaria is probably
accomplished chiefly by means of stream systems. The glacial relict theory as applied to Turbellaria is
criticized, many supposed glacial relicts being probably stenothermous cold-water species. An ecological
classification of habitats for the alpine rhabdocoels is given.

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