Opistomum pallidum is a species of rhabdocoel flatworm in the family Typhloplanidae.[2]

Opistomum pallidum
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Platyhelminthes
Order: Rhabdocoela
Family: Typhloplanidae
Genus: Opistomum
Species:
O. pallidum
Binomial name
Opistomum pallidum
Schmidt, 1848[1]
Synonyms
  • Opistomum vejdovskyi (Sekera, 1912)
  • Opistomum schultzeanum (Diesing, 1862)
  • Typhloplana schultzeana (Diesing, 1862)
  • Typhloplana pallida (Schmidt, 1848)

Description

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The animal is 2 to 4.5 mm long. It possesses no eyes. The pharynx is caudally oriented and situated near the posterior end of the body.[3]

Taxonomy

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The species was described by Eduard Oscar Schmidt in 1848.[2]

Distribution and habitat

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It is known from Europe and Virginia (USA). It inhabits freshwater habitats, but is absent from streams and rivers.[2]

Ecology and behavior

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The species is found in Autumn, Winter and Spring. It is known to feed on naidid oligochaetes.[3]

References

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  1. ^ "ITIS Standard Report Page: Opistomum pallidum". www.itis.gov. Retrieved 15 May 2021.
  2. ^ a b c "Opistomum pallidum". Turbellarian taxonomic database. Retrieved 2021-05-15.
  3. ^ a b Young, J. O. (2001). Keys to the freshwater microturbellarians of Britain and Ireland. Ambleside: Freshwater Biological Association.