Open AccessA polypharyngeal marine flatworm (Platyhelminthes, Proseriata, Archimonocelididae) from eastern Australia
Author(s) -
CURINIGALLETTI MARCO,
CAN LESTER R. G.
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
zoological journal of the linnean society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.148
H-Index - 83
eISSN - 1096-3642
pISSN - 0024-4082
DOI - 10.1111/j.1096-3642.1997.tb01287.x
Subject(s) - flatworm , biology , turbellaria , zoology , ecology
Archimonocelis medusa sp. nov. is described from eastern Australia. The species is characterized by numerous (15–25) pharynges, as well as by details of sclerotized organs and karyotype. It is the first polypharyngeal marine flatworm known, and the first record of polypharyngy outside the Tricladida. Polypharyngy is interpreted as a disruption of the processes of pharyngeal induction and inhibition during development. Its possible adaptiveness is discussed.