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 | |
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Scientific classification ![]() | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Platyhelminthes |
Order: | Polycladida |
Family: | Apidioplanidae |
Genus: | Apidioplana |
Species: | A. apluda
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Binomial name | |
Apidioplana apluda Cannon, 1990
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Description
editA. 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
editThe 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
editA. apluda is known to be found on the Great Barrier Reef, acting as a symbiote of corals from the genus Melithaea.[2]
References
edit- ^ "WoRMS - World Register of Marine Species - Apidioplana apluda Cannon, 1990". www.marinespecies.org. Retrieved 2023-08-19.
- ^ a b c d 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