Turbellarian taxonomic database

Record # 20696
Author
Title
Journal
Carbayo F, Leal-Zanchet AM (2003)
Two new genera and species of Geoplaninae (Terricola: Tricladida: Platyhelminthes) of Brazil in the light of cephalic specialisations.
Invertebrate Systematics, Collingwood, 17 (3): 449-468.

Abstract / Notes

Two new genera of geoplaninid land planarians are described. Cephalic specialisations, mainly external
morphology and musculature development, partially define each genus. Cephaloflexa, gen. nov. shows some
peculiar characteristics, such as a gradual narrowing of the anterior third of the body and an upwards roll
of the anterior tip, the absence of eyes and sensory pits on the apex, and the existence of a retractor
muscle derived from the ventral cutaneous longitudinal musculature. Geoplana bergi Graff, 1899 is allocated
to Cephaloflexa and is designated as the type species. The ventral cutaneous longitudinal muscles of
Supramontana, gen. nov. (monotypic), are partially sunk into the mesenchyme, thus constituting a cephalic
retractor muscle. A new species of each genus is also described. The external morphology and anatomy of the
cephalic region of the new genera and of Geoplana Stimpson, 1857, Choeradoplana Graff, 1896 and Issoca C. G.
Froehlich, 1955 are analysed. Emendations to the diagnoses of Issoca and Choeradoplana are proposed based on
cephalic differentiations.

Return to taxon listing




taxon:

Home page -- (Main hierarchy)