Turbellarian taxonomic database

Abstract / Notes

"Leading zoologist and taxonomist Ernest Marcus (1893-1968) and his school described numerous new invertebrate
taxa, including planarians, or triclads (Platyhelminthes). These authors rarely provided the etymology of
names for the new taxa. In this paper, the etymology of 149 names of genera and specific epithets of
planarians lacking etymology (or honoring people) is investigated. The etymology of most names was retrieved
from original descriptive papers and from Eudoxia Maria Froehlich's recollections, a fellow of Marcus' school.
It was discovered that the names were usually freely derived from words of the language spoken in the country
where the species was found. Some names were motivated by an aspect of the biology of the species. Other names
honored people or are arbitrary. The etymology of 19 names could not be retrieved and are only suggested. The
origin of another 19 names could not be discovered, nor even their meaning. Knowing the etymology makes it
easier to memorize a name and it is a way to preserve the historical and emotional aspects of the authors.
Through the retrieved etymologies, the personality of Marcus can also be glimpsed."