Systematics of the Unguiphora (Platyhelminthes: Proseriata) I. GenusPolystyliphoraAx, 1958

The genusPolystyliphoraAx, 1958 (Platyhelminthes: Proseriata) in eastern Australia

“…However, in P. filum the chromosomes are larger (resulting in a haploid genome length almost 2 x than that of P. persimilis), and more distinct for size, with the smallest pair <0"5 the size of the largest. There are also differences in the centromeric index values of corresponding chromosomes, in particular of Chroms 2 and 3 (Curini-Galletti and Martens, 1991 ).…”

“…Two further species, P. axi Curini-Galletti and Martens, 1991 andP. eilatensis Curini-Galletti andMartens, 1991, have prostatoid stylets similar to P. persimilis.…”

“…The genus was introduced for a north European species, found in most cases commensal with lugworms (Ax, 1958;Reise, 1984). To date, five additional species are known (Ax and Ax, 1974;Curini-Galletti and Martens, 1991). Species are morphologically very similar, and may be recognized by details of sclerotized structures (copulatory stylet--when present, as most specimens found are juveniles--and prostatoid stylets) and karyotype.…”

“…Species are morphologically very similar, and may be recognized by details of sclerotized structures (copulatory stylet--when present, as most specimens found are juveniles--and prostatoid stylets) and karyotype. Most of the known species are uncommon, and the genus as a whole appears to be poorly speciose, in most cases with one species only in any given biogeographical region (Curini-Galletti and Martens, 1991 ). This overall picture has been challenged by recent research in eastern Australia, which has revealed a hitherto unsuspected abundance and diversity of Polystyliphora species.…”

“…The multiplication of the prostatoid organ is an autapomorphic character for the genus (Curini-Galletti and Martens, 1991). The genus was introduced for a north European species, found in most cases commensal with lugworms (Ax, 1958;Reise, 1984).…”