The genus Polystyliphora Ax, 1958 (Platyhelminthes: Proseriata) in eastern Australia

Abstract

In eastern Australia at least six species of Polystyliphora Ax, 1958 are found. Five of these are new, and may be distinguished on the basis of the morphology of sclerotized structures, and by chromosome number and morphology. Phylogenetical relationships could be assessed unequivocally for P. novaehollandiae sp. nov.: it is a member of a monophyletic group including two species from America. The high diversity of the Polystyliphora fauna of eastern Australia is due in part to the presence of a few narrow-range endemics. However, the number of sympatric species, up to three, is higher than in the rest of the world, where species mostly occur singly in any given biogeographical region.

Keywords :

• Platyhelminthes
• Polystyliphora
• Australia
• systematics
• biodiversity