Dalyellia viridis

Dalyellia viridis
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Platyhelminthes
Order: Rhabdocoela
Family: Dalyelliidae
Genus: Dalyellia
Species:
D. viridis
Binomial name
Dalyellia viridis
(Shaw, 1791)

Dalyellia viridis is a species of rhabdocoel flatworm in the family Dalyelliidae.[1]

Description

The animal is usually colored intensively green due to zoochlorellae.[2] It is 2.5 to 4 mm long[3] with a rounded anterior and pointed posterior end. It possesses a pair of kidney-shaped eyes.[2] Mature animals carry many eggs in their body.[3]

Taxonomy

It was described in 1791 by George Shaw as Hirudo viridis.[1]

Distribution and habitat

It occurs in freshwater in stagnant waterbodies. It is most frequently found in temporary pools.[3]

Ecology and behavior

The animal harbors symbiotic green algae (zoochlorellae) of the species Chlorella vulgaris in its body. It feeds on algae and animals, including microturbellarians.[3]

References

  1. ^ a b "Dalyellia viridis". Turbellarian taxonomic database. Archived from the original on 2021-05-15. Retrieved 2021-05-15.
  2. ^ a b Streble, H. & Krauter, D. (1988). Das Leben im Wassertropfen. Stuttgart: Franckh. pp. 266–267.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  3. ^ a b c d Young, J. O. (2001). Keys to the freshwater microturbellarians of Britain and Ireland. Ambleside: Freshwater Biological Association.