Notogynaphallia fortuita explained

Notogynaphallia fortuita is a species of land planarian belonging to the subfamily Geoplaninae.[1] It is found within Argentina.

Description

Notogynaphallia fortuita has a body shape between elongate and lanceolate. It's been found to reach about 20 mm in length and 3 mm in width, though can reach 30 mm when fully extended. It has nearly parallel margins, gradually tapering towards the anterior end and abruptly towards the posterior; both ends of the body are blunt. The base color of the dorsum is beige, with scattered dark spots all across. Along a thin line of the body, these spots are less dense, forming an ill-defined pale stripe running along the dorsum. The cephalic region of the dorsum is a saffron-yellow color. The ventral side is light grey.[2]

Etymology

The specific epithet is derived from the Latin, meaning "casual, by chance"; this is due to the fact that only a single type specimen of N. fortuita was found after several searches of the area.

Distribution

Notogynaphallia fortuita is only known from a type specimen found on Isla Paulino, in Berisso, Argentina. It was found on the ground under a fallen log.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: WoRMS - World Register of Marine Species - Notogynaphallia fortuita Negrete, Diaz Gira & Brusa, 2019 . 2023-07-31 . www.marinespecies.org.
  2. Negrete, L.; Gira, R. D.; Brusa, F. (2019). Two new species of land planarians (Platyhelminthes, Tricladida, Geoplanidae) from protected areas in the southern extreme of the Paranaense Rainforest, Argentina. Zoologischer Anzeiger. 279: 38-51.