Species ID
OC-SP-0002656
Discovered
Phylum
Platyhelminthes
Species ID
OC-SP-0002656
Provisional Species Name
Typhlopolycystis sp_IRLBB_01020
Lowest Valid Taxon Name in WoRMS
Typhlopolycystis
Lowest Known Rank
Genus
Status
Discovered
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Embargo
No
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Platyhelminthes
Order
Rhabdocoela
Family
Polycystididae
Genus
Typhlopolycystis
Taxonomic Remarks
The morphology of the male sclerotised structures in Typhlopolycystis sp.3 indicates its close relationship with the ‘coeca’ group within the genus Typhlopolycystis, which includes T. coeca, T. schockaerti, T. microphtalma, T. fonsecai, T. mediterranea, T. norenburgi, and Typhlopolycystis sp.1. However, the morphology of the accessory stylet type II in Typhlopolycystis sp.3 (hook shaped, with the proximal half straight and the distal curved) is unique among all known species of Typhlopolycystis. Such, no other comparisons are necessary to corroborate the identity of Typhlopolycystis sp.3 as a new species.
Received All Minimal Data for Discovery
01/04/2026
Description of Material
Species of Typhlopolycystis without eyes and a relatively short proboscis. Prostate stylet type III measuring 17–21 µm in length (x¯ = 19 µm; n = 2), straight, and ending distally in a broad, round tip. The accessory stylet type II (asII) is 44–46 µm long (x¯ = 45 µm; n = 2), hook shaped, with its proximal half straight and the distal one arched, slightly tapering to a narrow, round tip. Both stylets are proximally connected by a coiling ring that bears a lateral projection directed toward the convex side of the asII.
Ecology
Medium-grained and well-sorted sand, 10 m deep, salinity 37 ‰.
Distribution
United States of America, Florida, 6.75 km SE from the mouth of Fort Pierce Inlet, 27.429300; -80.241083.
Scientific Name Authorship
Diez, Yander L.
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