Species ID
OC-SP-0002649
Discovered
Phylum
Platyhelminthes
Species ID
OC-SP-0002649
Provisional Species Name
Schizorhynchidae sp_IRLBB_01277
Lowest Valid Taxon Name in WoRMS
Schizorhynchidae
Lowest Known Rank
Family
Status
Discovered
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Embargo
No
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Platyhelminthes
Order
Rhabdocoela
Family
Schizorhynchidae
Taxonomic Remarks
Schizorhynchidae sp.4 shares several morphological features with Schizorhynchidae sp.3, and both species are likely congeneric. In particular, Schizorhynchidae sp.4 exhibits a characteristic brownish-reddish colouration resulting from the accumulation of epidermal pigment granules, which hampers detailed observation of the internal anatomy. Its proboscis is likewise reduced, and the positions of the pharynx and testes correspond to those described for Schizorhynchidae sp.3. Nevertheless, Schizorhynchidae sp.4 can be distinguished by features of the male copulatory bulb: the bulb lacks a distal cap, the cirrus is armed with robust spines, and it bears a central stylet. In addition, Schizorhynchidae sp.4 possesses three adhesive belts: one posterior, one weakly developed at midbody, and one located posterior to the pharynx.
Received All Minimal Data for Discovery
01/04/2026
Description of Material
Species of Schizorhynchidae with a brown-reddish pigmentation caused by the accumulation of pigment granules in the epidermis. Three adhesive belts are distinguished, one subterminal, one less developed at midbody, and one posterior to the pharynx. Proboscis small, with symmetric lips, without posterior glands sheathed by muscles. Eyes absent. A pair of testes anterior to the pharynx; testes located at the body sides. Atrial organs located in the posterior third of the body. The male bulb receives the seminal vesicles and encompasses the prostate vesicle, a spiny cirrus, and a stylet. The stylet is 38–42 µm long (x¯ = 40 µm; n = 2) and the spines are 3–5 µm long. Proximally, the stylet bent and shows a lateral fold. Ovary and bursa located posterior to the male system; however, their connections where not distinguished.
Ecology
Medium to coarse-grained and well-sorted sand, 0.5 m deep, salinity 35 ‰.
Distribution
United States of America, Florida, Fort Pierce, 27.45875; -80.31722.
Scientific Name Authorship
Diez, Yander L.
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