The genus Nematoplana Meixner, 1938 (Platyhelminthes: Unguiphora) in eastern Australia

Abstract

Six new species of Nematoplana are described from eastern Australia. They are distinguished on the basis of the morphology of sclerotized structures, chromosome number and morphology, and pigmentation. Six further unguiphorid species were only found immature, and cannot be formally described. They none the less have distinct morphological and/or karyological features. The Unguiphora as a whole, and the genus Nematoplana in particular, are species-rich in eastern Australia. The high diversity of the group appears due both to narrow-range endemics, and to the narrow ecological niche of many of the species.

Keywords:

• Platyhelminthes
• Nematoplana
• Australia
• Systematics
• Biodiversity