An old problem in a new perspective: The enigmatic evolutionary relationships of some Australian freshwater planarians (Platyhelminthes, Tricladida, Paludicola)

摘要

This study addresses the uncertain phyletic status of four Australian freshwater planarians: Dugesia glandulosa (Kenk, 1930), Planaria graffi Weiss, 1909, P. hoernesi Weiss, 1909, P. boehmigi Weiss, 1909. Planaria hoernesi and P. boehmigi are redescribed on the basis of newly prepared type material. Following up on previous studies, a new phylogenetic hypothesis concerning relationships within the family Dugesiidae is developed. In view of this hypothesis, and taking into account the incomplete information on the species' morphology, it is concluded that P. graffi is best assigned to the genus Cura Strand, 1942. Reinterpretation of features in species of the current genus Romankenkins Ball, 1974 resulted in a redefinition of this genus. It is shown that in its new concept, the genus Romankenkius accommodates the species R. bilineatus Ball & Tran, 1979, R. boehmigi (Weiss, 1909), R. hoernesi (Weiss, 1909), R. glandulosus (Kenk, 1930), R. kenki Ball, 1974, R. libidinosus Slays & Rohde, 1991, R. michaelseni (Bohmig, 1902), R. pedderensis Ball, 1974, and R. patagonicus (Borelli, 1901). The current genus Cura is restricted to the species C. pinguis (Weiss, 1909), C. foremanii (Girard, 1852), and C. graffi (Weiss, 1909).