Further observations on Kronborgia isopodicola, with notes on the systematics of the Fecampiidae (Turbellaria: Rhabdocoela)

Abstract

Further information is presented on a recently described dioecious fecampiid, Kronborgia isopodicola Blair & Williams, infecting marine isopods from the South Island of New Zealand. Densely staining bodies interpreted as degeneration products (observed in the epidermis and subepidermal parenchyma) were abundant during the cocoon phase. The vitelline globules of the female were often fragmented. Fertilisation evidently occurs in the oviducts, but some spermatozoa were seen in the adjacent parenchyma. Possible methods of insemination are discussed. K. isopodicola has a number of characteristics typical of the genus Fecampia, perhaps necessitating a reappraisal of the systematics of the group.

Keywords:

• Turbellaria
• Fecampiidae
• Kronborgia
• morphology
• systematics