Biology:Dalyellia viridis

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Short description: Flatworm

Dalyellia viridis
Scientific classification edit
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. 1.0 1.1 "Dalyellia viridis". http://turbellaria.umaine.edu/turbellaria/turb3.php?action=1&code=5263. 
  2. 2.0 2.1 Streble, H. & Krauter, D. (1988). Das Leben im Wassertropfen. Stuttgart: Franckh. pp. 266–267. 
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Young, J. O. (2001). Keys to the freshwater microturbellarians of Britain and Ireland. Ambleside: Freshwater Biological Association. 

Wikidata ☰ Q2651945 entry