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Type: Article
Published: 2002-06-21
Page range: 1–15
Abstract views: 39
PDF downloaded: 3

Two new freshwater rhabdocoels, Austrodalyellia gen. nov. and Haplodidymos gen. nov. (Platyhelminthes), from Queensland, Australia

Queensland Museum, Worms Section, South Brisbane, Queensland 4101, Australia
Queensland Museum, Worms Section, South Brisbane, Queensland 4101, Australia
Platyhelminthes Turbellaria Rhabdocoela Australia fresh water

Abstract

Two new genera and species of Rhabdocoela from a freshwater lake in Queensland, Australia are described. Austrodalyellia ariena gen. nov. sp. nov. is a member of the Dalyelliidae Graff, 1905. The female system is typical of the family and includes paired finger-like vitellaria, a single ovary, bursa copulatrix and receptaculum seminis. The male system includes paired posterior testes and a copulatory organ with contained vesicula seminalis, vesicula granulorum and a complex stylet. Stylet structure is unique in the family and consists of five layered tines connected by a bifid base. The stylet appears to be derived from forms similar to those of Dalyellia and Microdalyellia. Haplodidymos rubroculatus gen. nov. sp. nov. is a member of the Typhloplanidae Graff, 1905 and characterized by a pair of large red eyes and posterior pharynx rosulatus. The female system includes paired vitellaria, a single ovary, bursa copulatrix, receptaculum seminis and uterus. The male system is characterized by the unique presence of a single, long testis that runs medially and ventral to the gut. Posterior to the pharynx it connects with a copulatory organ that houses a well-defined vesicula seminalis, ill-defined vesicula granulorum, and weakly sclerotic stylet. Haplodidymos is placed in the Protoplanellinae based on the ventral position of the testes and the absence of excretory pores in the mouth.

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