Apidioplana apluda

Apidioplana apluda is a species of flatworm in the family Apidioplanidae.[1] It can be found on the Great Barrier Reef as a symbiote of gorgonian corals.[2]

Apidioplana apluda
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Platyhelminthes
Order: Polycladida
Family: Apidioplanidae
Genus: Apidioplana
Species:
A. apluda
Binomial name
Apidioplana apluda
Cannon, 1990

Description

A. apluda is about 2 by 1 mm in size. The dorsum is a russet red color, while the ventral side is grey. There are four anterio-lateral eyes, in addition to two smaller median pairs. Distinctive of A. apluda is the presence of several 'apioid' organs on the ventral surface of the body; these organs each consist of a muscular capsule.[2]

Etymology

The specific epithet is derived from the Latin apluda, meaning "scale" or "chaff". It is in reference to the species being closely applied to their host.[2]

Distribution and ecology

A. apluda is known to be found on the Great Barrier Reef, acting as a symbiote of corals from the genus Melithaea.[2]

References
  1. "WoRMS - World Register of Marine Species - Apidioplana apluda Cannon, 1990". www.marinespecies.org. Retrieved 2023-08-19.
  2. Cannon, L. R. G. (1990). Apidioplana apluda n.sp., a turbellarian symbiote of gorgonian corals from the Great Barrier Reef, with a review of the family Apidioplanidae (Polycladida:Acotylea). Mem Queensland Mus, 28: 435-442


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