A Survey of the Epigean Planarians (Turbellaria: Tricladida: Paludicola) of Alabama

ABSTRACT

Streams, springs, lakes and ponds were investigated for planarians at 116 sites in 44 counties and among all five physiographic provinces of Alabama from 23 Jul to 4 Aug 1988 and from 15 to 27 Jul 1990. Planarians were found at 54 sites representing 27 counties and all physiographic provinces. Five species and one undetermined species of Dugesia were found. Dugesia tigrina inhabited more sites, 24, than any other species and was in all provinces. Dugesia dorotocephala occurred at 13 sites, with most of these in the Valley and Ridge province and none in the East Gulf Coastal Plain. Cura foremnii was at 10 sites, with most of these in the Valley and Ridge and none in the Highland Rim. Phagocata morgani morgani was collected at eight sites, and although not found in the Highland Rim and Piedmont Plateau, its occurrence in the East Gulf Coastal Plain extends its known range in the southeastern United States. Phagocata qracilis was at four sites, all associated with springs in the Highland Rim. The Cumberland Plateau had the fewest sites with planarians, and the East Gulf Coastal Plain had the most sites, 13 with D. tigrina. Water temperature, pH, total dissolved solids and calcium were measured at all sites having planarians.