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Type: Article
Published: 2020-02-05
Page range: 193–222
Abstract views: 128
PDF downloaded: 1

The identity of the invasive yellow-striped terrestrial planarian found recently in Europe: Caenoplana variegata (Fletcher & Hamilton, 1888) or Caenoplana bicolor (Graff, 1899)?

Scientific Associate, Life Sciences Department, Natural History Museum, London, SW7 5BD, UK.
Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain.
Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain.
Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain.
Platyhelminthes Feeding Geoplana predation molecular identification alien species invasive species

Abstract

Terrestrial planarians with a dorsal yellow stripe and dark lateral surfaces and up to 15-20 cm long have been found in several countries in Europe, the earliest in 2008. They are similar to two species originally from Australia, Caenoplana variegata (Fletcher & Hamilton, 1888) and C. bicolor (Graff, 1899), both described on external characters only, with no anatomical information. Careful reading suggests that there is no significant difference between the original descriptions. Further: observations on live specimens show considerable variation between individuals and in individuals over time and before and after feeding, negating any distinction between descriptions. Examination of three sectioned specimens shows considerable difference in sexual maturity, though one seems almost fully mature and the reproductive system is described. Molecular results show that specimens from the United Kingdom and Spain are of the same species. It is concluded that the planarians should be referred to as C. variegata, C. bicolor being a junior synonym.

 

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