Rhynchomesostoma rostratum explained

Rhynchomesostoma rostratum is a species of rhabdocoel flatworms in the family Typhloplanidae.^[1]

Description

The animal is 1.5 to 3.5 mm long^[2] and transparent. The anterior end is retractable.^[3]

Taxonomy

It was described by Otto Friedrich Müller in 1774 as Fasciola rostrata.^[4]

Distribution and habitat

The species has been recorded in Europe, India, Kenya, Siberia, and the US.

Ecology and behavior

It preys on oligochaetes, cladocerans, copepods, other microturbellarians, and mosquito larvae and other aquatic insects. It is preyed upon by the flatworm Phaenocora unipunctata.

Notes and References

1. Web site: Rhynchomesostoma. 2021-05-15. Turbellarian taxonomic database.
2. Book: Young, J. O.. Keys to the freshwater microturbellarians of Britain and Ireland. Freshwater Biology Association. 2001. Ambleside.
3. Book: Streble, H. & Krauter, D.. Das Leben im Wassertropfen. Franckh. 1988. Stuttgart. 268–269.
4. Müller. Otto Friedrich. 1774. Vermium terrestrium et fluviatilium, seu animalium infusoriorum, helminthicorum et testaceorum, non marinorum, succincta historia. Vol. primi pars altera.. Havniae et Lipsiae. 4. 65–66. Biodiversity Heritage Library.