Turbellarian taxonomic database

Record # 4032
Author
Title
Journal
Jennings JB (1959)
Observations on the nutrition of the land planarian Orthodemus terrestris (O.F. Muller).
Biol Bull 117:119-124

Abstract / Notes

The land planarian, Q. terrestris, feeds in the typical triclad manner by inserting its phyarynx into the prey
(chiefly small slugs and earthworms) and withdrawing the body contents. Disintegration of the food during
ingestion is followed by phagocytosis by the gut cells. Intraluminar digestion is absent. Food reserves are
stored in mesenchymal and columnar gut cells (fat) and gastrodermal sphere cells (protein). Orthodermus thus
shows no particular adaptation in its nutrition to its terrestrial habitat.

Return to taxon listing




taxon:

Home page -- (Main hierarchy)