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Abstract
A new species of mesopsammic polyclad, Theama mediterranea sp. nov., from lower intertidal habitats of the Mediterranean Sea, is described. The species differs from congeneres found in the tropical Pacific and the Atlantic coast of South America, in terms of size, structure of the male copulatory organ and number of eyes. T. mediterranea sp. nov. has a short pelagic juvenile phase, while adults are strictly interstitial; the life cycle is annual. Based on observation of the type material of Theama evelinae Marcus, Citation1949, the genus Eutheama Faubel, Citation1983 is synonymized with Theama Marcus, Citation1949.
Acknowledgements
Gratitude is due to Dr. Bella Galil National (Institute of Oceanography, Shiqmona), Prof. Dr. Eviatar Nevo and the staff of the Institute of Evolution (University of Haifa) for their generous hospitality, and the use of facilities at their laboratories. Gavino Oggiano and Francesco Mura dealt with most of the histological preparation. Ulrich and Beate Ehlers are thanked for loaning the paratypes of Theama occidua. A particular mention is due to the staff of the Swedish Museum of Natural History, who patiently extended the loan of reference and type material well beyond any reasonable time. This research project benefited from a grant from the Italian Ministry for Research (MIUR Prin‐2004).