Taxonomy, ecology, and karyology of a new species of Phagocata from Spain, with a discussion on the phylogenetic systematics of the genus Phagocata s.l. (Platyhelminthes, Tricladida, Paludicola)

Abstract

The new species Phagocata ullala Sluys, sp.nov. is described from two localities in Spain, the Ebro delta and Pyrenean Massif. The species is characterized by brown dorsal pigmentation, principally ventral testes throughout the body length, vasa deferentia that fuse to form the ejaculatory duct in the proximal section of the cone-shaped penis papilla, and a basic haploid complement of 17 chromosomes. Animals from the Pyrenees may be polyploid, with complements of 4n, 8n, 10n, and 14n. At present, the genus Phagocata s.l. is diagnosed only by plesiomorphic features. The paper explores possible apomorphic characters of several groups within this genus. It is suggested that "Albiplanaria" and Atrioplanaria are monophyletic taxa and that together "Albiplanaria," Fonticola olivacea, and Phagocata s.str. form a monophylum.