The anatomy of Microplana termitophaga from Zimbabwe and Kenya: confirmation of the subfamily and genus

Abstract

Microplana termitophaga has been observed feeding on termites in Harare, Zimbabwe . In small specimens the pharynx is about two-thirds of the way along the body, but in large specimens the pharynx is only one quarter of the way along the body. Details of the subepidermal musculature of specimens from Kenya and Zimbabwe are described which confirm the previously uncertain assignment of the species to the subfamily Microplaninae . Sexually mature specimens are found towards the end of the wet season in Zimbabwe . The anatomy of the reproductive system is described . The gonopore is about two-thirds of the way along the body in mature specimens, but sexual maturity seems not to be related simply to size . There is a genito-intestinal duct which confirms that the species is of the genus Microplana .

Community structure of land flatworms (Platyhelminthes, Terricola): comparisons between Araucaria and Atlantic forest in Southern Brazil

“…Land flatworms (Platyhelminthes: Terricola) are top predators within the soil ecosystem, preying on other invertebrates (Du Bois‐Reymond Marcus 1951; Jones et al 1995; Ogren 1995; Sluys 1999; Leal‐Zanchet & Carbayo 2001; Carbayo & Leal‐Zanchet 2003). These flatworms have restricted locomotion capacity over long distances; hence there are many endemic species (Sluys 1995).…”

Activity patterns of termite‐eating land planarians Microplana termitophaga (Platyhelminthes: Tricladida)

“…1) might be due to the necessity for aestivation cysts to be ruptured, or for physiological processes to be activated, or for eggs to hatch; the main ACTIVITY PATTERNS OF T E R M I T E -E A T I N G L A N D PLANARIANS 54 1 requirement is that the soil should have remained damp for some considerable time. Early-season specimens do not have gonads (Jones, Cumming & Kennaugh, 1995); since they are long, though slender, some may be regressed adults. Most flatworms absorb internal organs under conditions of prolonged starvation, the gonads disappearing first (Borradaile et al, 1961;Reynoldson, 1968;Calow, 1977;Woollhead & Calow, 1979).…”

“…Very small M . terrnitophaga were first noted in mid-January 1991 (it is not known whether these resulted from asexual reproduction or from eggs of the previous season) and, in transverse sections, mature gonads were seen in older animals from mid-February to April 1991 (Jones, Cumming & Kennaugh, 1995). The large numbers of small planarians in February coincided with the peak in density.…”

Feeding behaviour of the termite‐eating planarian Microplana termitophaga (Platyhelminthes: Turbellaria: Tricladida: Terricola) in Zimbabwe

“…A short account of planarian feeding behaviour was included, based on observations by J. P. E. C. Darlington. Planarians observed feeding in Harare, Zimbabwe, are also M. termitophaga (Cumming, 1995;Jones, Cumming & Kennaugh, 1995). The planarians noted by Sheppe (1970) were probably this species.…”