Gyratrix hermaphroditus

Gyratrix hermaphroditus is a species of rhabdocoel flatworm in the family Polycystididae.[2]

Gyratrix hermaphroditus
Picture of a live animal of Gyratrix hermaphroditus
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Platyhelminthes
Order: Rhabdocoela
Family: Polycystididae
Genus: Gyratrix
Species:
G. hermaphroditus
Binomial name
Gyratrix hermaphroditus
Ehrenberg, 1831[1]

Description

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The animal is 1 to 1.5 mm long, transparent and colorless. It possesses a proboscis at the anterior end and a sharply pointed stylet.[3]

Taxonomy

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It was described by Christian Gottfried Ehrenberg in 1831.[2] Gyratrix hermaphroditus represents a species complex.[4]

Distribution and habitat

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Members of the species complex occur in both marine and inland water habitats.[4]

Ecology and behavior

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It is known to feed on copepods and cladocerans.[5]

References

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  1. ^ "ITIS Standard Report Page: Gyratrix hermaphroditus". www.itis.gov. Retrieved 15 May 2021.
  2. ^ a b "Gyratrix hermaphroditus". Turbellarian taxonomic database. Retrieved 2021-05-15.
  3. ^ Streble, H., Krauter, D. (1988). Das Leben im Wassertropfen. Stuttgart: Franckh. pp. 270–271.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  4. ^ a b Curini-Galletti, M., & Puccinelli, I. (1998). "The Gyratrix hermaphroditus species complex (Kalyptorhynchia: Polycystididae) in marine habitats of eastern Australia". Hydrobiologia. 383: 287–298. doi:10.1023/A:1003456102035. S2CID 9808496.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  5. ^ Young, J. O. (2001). Keys to the freshwater microturbellarians of Britain and Ireland. Ambleside: Freshwater biological association. p. 87.