Reflections on the genus Amaga Ogren and Kawakatsu 1990, and description of a new genus of land planarian (Platyhelminthes: Tricladida: Geoplanidae)

Abstract

Amaga amagensis, the type species of the genus Amaga, and Amaga bogotensis are re-described. Detailed analysis of the morphology of A. amagensis revealed important taxonomic features, such as testes located dorsally to the supraintestinal parenchymal muscular layer, and secretory accumulations opening through the lateral margins of the body. These characters, as well as other morphological features, are discussed, culminating in an emendation of the generic diagnosis of Amaga. Amaga bogotensis exhibits a characteristic set of morphological features, namely an eversible penis, a male atrium lined with large musculosecretory papillae, and independent muscular coats around both male and female atrium. Therefore, a new genus is proposed for this species.

Keywords:

• Platyhelminthes
• Tricladida
• Geoplaninae
• Amaga
• Bogga
• Colombia

Acknowledgements

We are grateful to Dr Tim Littlewood (Natural History Museum, London, UK) for providing a loan of the type specimen of Amaga amagensis. Dr Birger Neuhaus (Museum für Naturkunde, Berlin, Germany) is thanked for the loan of the holotype of Bogga bogotensis and for giving permission to histologically section this animal. Mr J. van Arkel (University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands) is thanked for his assistance in digitally rendering the figures. F.C. was supported by FAPESP. Dr Helmut Sattmann is thanked for hosting J.H.G. at the Naturhistorisches Museum Wien (NHW). Completion of the manuscript was made possible by a grant from the Netherlands Centre for Biodiversity Naturalis to R. Sluys.