Abstract
Microstomidae (Platyhelminthes: Macrostomorpha) diversity has been almost entirely ignored within recent years, likely due to inconsistent and often old taxonomic literature and a general rarity of sexually mature collected specimens. Herein, we reconstruct the phylogenetic relationships of the group using both previously published and new 18S and CO1 gene sequences. We present some taxonomic revisions of Microstomidae and further describe 8 new species of Microstomum based on both molecular and morphological evidence. Finally, we briefly review the morphological taxonomy of each species and provide a key to aid in future research and identification that is not dependent on reproductive morphology. Our goal is to clarify the taxonomy and facilitate future research into an otherwise very understudied group of tiny (but important) flatworms.
Highlights
Macrostomorpha DOE, 1986 is a group of free-living Platyhelminthes found worldwide in aquatic and semi-aquatic habitats [1]
We review the morphological taxonomy of the species within Microstomidae and provide a key to aid in future research and identification
The use of nucleotide sequences to delineate species and capture biodiversity is an important advancement in taxonomy of Microstomidae
Summary
Macrostomorpha DOE, 1986 is a group of free-living Platyhelminthes found worldwide in aquatic and semi-aquatic habitats [1]. They are very small in size, typically only 1–2 mm, but are important and often abundant members of their communities, feeding on diatoms and other microorganisms or even other small invertebrates [2,3,4]. Species of Microstomidae have been considered difficult to distinguish through traditional morphological methods
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