New to nature No 99: Phagocata flamenca

This Andalucian flatworm, with its flamenco ruffles, is among six new species discovered on the Iberian peninsulaPlanarians are freshwater flatworms of the order Tricladida, scavengers and predators on other invertebrates, hermaphroditic, and capable of both sexual and asexual reproduction. They are distinguished from other flatworms by their trifurcate digestive tract and ovaries positioned in front of the brain. Familiar laboratory animals noted for their regenerative properties, they can be cut in half transversely with both head and tail halves developing into new whole worms, or split at the front to induce the development of two complete heads. Geneticists have recently identified key genes responsible for regeneration of the intestines with the hope of new insights into possible internal organ regeneration. And planarians caused quite a sensation in the 1960s when those conditioned to flashes of light and a simple maze retained the "memory" in regenerated worms and passed memory to other worms when eaten. While planarians remain fascinating laboratory subjects, much remains to be learned about their diversity in the wild.A newly discovered species, Phagocata flamenca, is a case in point. It was found in large numbers in Granada, Spain, in the well of an artificial spring fed by irrigation channels. The species is unusual, immediately recognisable, and memorably named. Its undulating lateral margins are approached only in one other freshwater planarian, Phagocata undula...
Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - Category: Science Authors: Tags: Spain World news Features Animals The Observer Zoology Environment Science Wildlife Source Type: news