Revision and description of six species of Choeradoplana (Platyhelminthes, Tricladida), with an emendation to the genus.

Living representatives of the Neotropical genus Choeradoplana Graff, 1896 (Geoplaninae, Tricladida, Platyhelminthes) are easily recognized by the typical shape of the head which is laterally expanded, rolled-up, and ventrally provided with two glandular cushions. In this study, the morphology and phylogeny (cytochrome C oxidase subunit I gene) of several species of land planarians are taxonomically investigated. Four of the six species studied are new to science, namely: Ch. eudoxiae Silva & Carbayo, sp. nov., Ch. claudioi Lago-Barcia & Carbayo, sp. nov., Ch. onae Lago-Barcia & Carbayo, sp. nov., and Ch. riutortae Lago-Barcia & Carbayo, sp. nov. The species Choeradoplana albonigra and Ch. eudoxiae deviate from the usual body shape pattern in that the head does not present lateral expansions nor glandular cushions, becoming indistinguishable from its sister genus Cephaloflexa. Pseudogeoplana tristriata (Schultze & Müller, 1857) is also redescribed from a newly collected specimen and was discovered to be a member of Choeradoplana. Graff (1899) also studied another specimen that was considered to be conspecific with P. tristriata; however, in this new it is concluded that it is not conspecific but rather a new species. The name Pseudogeoplana aevipandemiae Lago-Barcia & Carbayo, sp. nov. is suggested for Graff's specimen.

Cataloguing Prof. Eudóxia M. Froehlich's wet collection of land planarians (Platyhelminthes, Geoplanidae): a bounty of type specimens of 78 species.

Zoologist Prof. Eudóxia Maria Froehlich (1929*-2015†) kept an uncatalogued personal collection of land planarians in wet medium. We catalogued their contents. Glass jars contained a variable number of small vials, each with one or several labeled specimens. We transcribed the species names and field data, when available, written on card labels to a table. A total of 1772 vials in 80 jars, contained over 2700 specimens. Subsequently, we cross checked field data with that of the type specimens. As a result, we identified, with different degrees of certainty, type specimens of 78 species. These types compose a very significant potential source of additional morphological details of the species to conform with current standards in the taxonomy of the group.

Trying to take over the world: Potential distribution of Obama nungara (Platyhelminthes: Geoplanidae), the Neotropical land planarian that has reached Europe.

Obama nungara Carbayo, Álvarez-Presas, Jones, & Riutort, 2016 is a land planarian (Platyhelminthes: Geoplanidae) native to southern South America, which has recently dispersed towards several countries of the European continent, thus becoming a threat to the native soil fauna. Its dispersion would be favoured by its wide food habit and its tendency to live linked to humans, being the plant trade its most plausible vector of dispersion. Here, we explored the potential distribution of O. nungara on a global scale by using the MaxEnt software. We used 144 records (encompassing 10 countries) from sampling campaigns, citizen science, recent literature, and material deposited in scientific collections. Our results showed that southern South America has favourable climatic conditions for O. nungara. MaxEnt also allowed predicting expansions to countries of Europe where this planarian is already established and to others not yet colonized, as well as to Asia (southern coast of the Caspian Sea, Taiwan, and south-east of mainland China) and Oceania (south-east of Australia and New Zealand). The potential distribution of O. nungara was mainly outlined by climatic factors related to temperature (annual mean temperature, mean temperature of the coldest quarter, and annual temperature range). Thus, under a global warming scenario, a significant expansion of O. nungara relative to the current prediction is expected. This information may be useful to design strategies to prevent new introductions, since the dissemination of this planarian seems to be strongly man-linked.

Two new land planarian species (Platyhelminthes: Tricladida: Geoplanidae) from protected areas in southern Brazil.

We describe two new species of Neotropical land planarians found in protected areas of the Atlantic Forest in southern Brazil. Cratera obsidiana Amaral, Boll Leal-Zanchet, sp. nov., found in the State Park of Turvo, is the first species of the genus Cratera described from an area of deciduous seasonal forest. It can be distinguished from its congeners by the uniformly black dorsal color and the prostatic vesicle with proximal portion laterally expanded and directed upward. Luteostriata subtilis Boll, Amaral Leal-Zanchet, sp. nov., found in the National Park of Aparados da Serra, in an area covered by Araucaria moist forest, is distinguished from its congeners by only two conspicuous longitudinal stripes on the dorsal surface of the body and a large fold in the male atrium below the opening of the ejaculatory duct. We also provide an updated key for species of Cratera and the first key for species of Luteostriata.

Coming out in a harsh environment: a new genus and species for a land flatworm (Platyhelminthes: Tricladida) occurring in a ferruginous cave from the Brazilian savanna.

Faunal inventories in ferruginous caves from an area belonging to the Brazilian savanna (Cerrado phytophysiognomy), on the eastern margin of the Serra do Espinhaço Plateau, in southeastern Brazil, have revealed the occurrence of land flatworms. Herein, a flatworm sampled in such subterranean environment is described as a new genus and species of the Neotropical subfamily Geoplaninae, Difroehlichia elenae gen. nov., sp. nov. The new genus shows rare features within Geoplaninae, namely sub-cylindrical body, poorly developed sub-epidermal musculature and a narrow creeping sole. Some features, such as a small body and a broad sensory margin in the anterior region of the body, as well as the fact that the holotype showed signs of recent copula, may indicate an adaptation to the subterranean environment, probably representing a troglophile. Difroehlichia elenae is characterized by an almost homogeneous dark brown pigmentation over dorsal surface and body margins, a short cylindrical pharynx, and a tubular and unforked intrabulbar prostatic vesicle, among other features. The holotype shows a secondary male copulatory organ located immediately behind the primary one, both communicating with the female atrium and gonopore canal. Since the species seems to have low abundance and restricted distribution and its type-locality is affected by mining activities, major concern arises regarding its conservation.

Integrative approach reveals two new species of Obama (Platyhelminthes: Tricladida) from the South-Brazilian Atlantic Forest.

The genus Obama Carbayo et al., 2013 includes 38 species, being the most species-rich within Geoplaninae. Species of this genus show a similar anatomy regarding their copulatory apparatus, which may hinder species differentiation. In this study, we describe two new species, presenting a marbled colour pattern, found in two different phytophysionomies of the Atlantic Forest, namely Semi-deciduous Forest and Araucaria Forest. Both species can be distinguished from their congeners, as well from each other, by colour pattern and eye arrangement combined with characteristics of the pharynx, penis papilla and prostatic vesicle, confirmed by molecular analyses from cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene (COI). Phylogenetic analyses suggest that both species herein studied are closely related to another species that occurs in areas of Araucaria Forest (O. maculipunctata). Results also indicate the need to use at least 600 bp of the gene COI in the definitions of interspecific divergences and for species delineation, at least for the genus Obama.

Searching for shelter in a ferruginous cave? A new species of Pasipha from a plateau in the Brazilian savanna (Platyhelminthes, Tricladida).

In a fauna survey in the eastern margin of Serra do Espinhaço Plateau, in an area belonging to the Brazilian savanna (Cerrado phytophysiognomy), a land flatworm was sampled in a ferruginous cave. Anatomical and histological analyses indicated that it belongs to a new species of the genus Pasipha, which is herein described. The new species shows an almost homogenous dark brown dorsal pigmentation, eyes spreading over the dorsal surface, a collar-shaped pharynx, and a prostatic vesicle with two portions separated by a canal. It differs from similar species mainly by anatomical and histological details of the ejaculatory duct, as well as male and female atria. The flatworm shows no troglomorphic traits and was collected once in the entrance zone of the cave. Hence, despite representing the first land flatworm species described from a Neotropical cave, we consider that its occurrence in the cave is probably occasional, using it as a shelter.

Increasing diversity of land planarians (Platyhelminthes: Geoplanidae) in the Interior Atlantic Forest with the description of two new species and new records from Argentina.

Here, we describe two new species of land planarians of the genera Pasipha and Imbira from the Atlantic Forest of Argentina: Pasipha quirogai sp. nov. and Imbira negrita sp. nov. Their external features and internal anatomy distinguish them from their congeners. Pasipha quirogai sp. nov. is about 40mm long, characterized by brown beige dorsal pigmentation with a golden yellow median band and thin graphite black para-median stripes, cylindrical pharynx, extrabulbar prostatic vesicle with paired proximal portion, male atrium with small folds in its proximal part, and female canal opening into the dorso-caudal wall of the female atrium. Imbira negrita sp. nov. is about 110mm long, with jet black dorsal pigmentation, pharynx collar-type, short female canal opening in the postero-dorsal portion of the female atrium, and epithelial lining of female atrium with stratified appearance. We also provide exhaustive descriptions of Geoplana quagga, Obama ladislavii, and Paraba multicolor, all recorded for the first time in Argentina, by analysing anatomical features of taxonomic relevance. In addition, we improve the description of G. quagga, mainly regarding the musculature, secretory cells, and the copulatory apparatus.

Three new species of Cratera Carbayo et al., 2013 from Araucaria forests with a key to species of the genus (Platyhelminthes, Continenticola).

Areas of Araucaria moist forest have been considered to constitute hotspots of land flatworm diversity, harbouring a high number of undescribed species. Herein we describe three new species of land flatworms of Cratera Carbayo et al., 2013 occurring in such type of forest in south Brazil. The three species are differentiated from their congeners mainly by their colour pattern, anatomy of the pharynx and prostatic vesicle, and details of the penis papilla and male atrium. An identification key to species of the genus in the Neotropical region is provided.

Observations on food preference of Neotropical land planarians (Platyhelminthes), with emphasis on Obama anthropophila, and their phylogenetic diversification

The food preference of Obama anthropophila Amaral, Leal-Zanchet & Carbayo, 2015, a species that seems to be spreading across Brazil’s human-modified environments, was investigated. Extensive experiments led to the conclusion that the generalized diet of this species may have facilitated its dispersal. The analysis of 132 feeding records of 44 geoplaninid species revealed a tendency for closely related species to feed on individuals from similar taxonomic groups, suggesting that in this group behavioral evolution is more conserved than phylogenetic diversification.

Observations on food preference of Neotropical land planarians (Platyhelminthes), with emphasis on Obama anthropophila, and their phylogenetic diversification

The food preference of Obama anthropophila Amaral, Leal-Zanchet & Carbayo, 2015, a species that seems to be spreading across Brazils human-modified environments, was investigated. Extensive experiments led to the conclusion that the generalized diet of this species may have facilitated its dispersal. The analysis of 132 feeding records of 44 geoplaninid species revealed a tendency for closely related species to feed on individuals from similar taxonomic groups, suggesting that in this group behavioral evolution is more conserved than phylogenetic diversification.(AU)

Relative and absolute density estimates of land planarians (Platyhelminthes, Tricladida) in urban rainforest patches

Land planarians (Platyhelminthes) are likely important components of the soil cryptofauna, although relevant aspects of their ecology such as their density remain largely unstudied. We investigated absolute and relative densities of flatworms in three patches of secondary Brazilian Atlantic rainforest in an urban environment. Two methods of sampling were carried out, one consisting of 90 hours of active search in delimited plots covering 6,000 m² over a year, and the other consisting of leaf litter extraction from a 60 m² soil area, totaling 480600 l leaf litter. We found 288 specimens of 16 species belonging to the genera Geobia, Geoplana, Issoca, Luteostriata, Obama, Paraba, Pasipha, Rhynchodemus, Xerapoa, and the exotic species Bipalium kewense and Dolichoplana striata. Specimens up to 10 mm long were mostly sampled only with the leaf litter extraction method. Absolute densities, calculated from data obtained with leaf litter extraction, ranged between 1.25 and 2.10 individuals m². These values are 30 to 161 times higher than relative densities, calculated from data obtained by active search. Since most common sampling method used in land planarian studies on species composition and faunal inventories is active search for a few hours in a locality, our results suggest that small species might be overlooked. It remains to be tested whether similar densities of this cryptofauna are also found in primary forests.

As planárias terrestres (Platyhelminthes) são importantes componentes da criptofauna do solo, mas aspectos relevantes da sua ecologia, tais como riqueza e densidade, ainda são amplamente desconhecidos. Investigamos aqui as densidades relativa e absoluta das planárias terrestres de três manchas de mata atlântica secundária. Adotamos dois métodos de amostragens. Num método dedicamos 90 horas durante um ano à busca ativa de planárias em um conjunto de áreas demarcadas que somaram 6,000 m². O segundo método consistiu na extração das planárias de 480-600 l de serapilheira retirados de um total de 60 m² de solo. Encontramos 288 espécimes pertencentes a 16 espécies de planárias dos gêneros Geobia, Geoplana, Issoca, Luteostriata, Obama, Paraba, Pasipha, Rhynchodemus, Xerapoa, além das espécies exóticas Bipalium kewense and Dolichoplana striata. Os espécimes com até 10 mm de comprimento foram coletados principalmente por extração. As densidades absolutas, calculadas a partir dos números obtidos da extração, oscilaram entre 1,25 e 2,10 indivíduos m-². Estes valores são de 30 a 161 vezes maiores que as densidades relativas, calculadas a partir da busca direta. Como, na maioria dos estudos sobre composição de espécies e inventários faunísticos o tempo dedicado às coletas dura umas poucas horas por localidade, nossos resultados sugerem que espécies pequenas podem passar despercebidas. Ainda está por determinar-se se valores semelhantes de densidade desta criptofauna são também observados em bosques primários.

Relative and absolute density estimates of land planarians (Platyhelminthes, Tricladida) in urban rainforest patches

Land planarians (Platyhelminthes) are likely important components of the soil cryptofauna, although relevant aspects of their ecology such as their density remain largely unstudied. We investigated absolute and relative densities of flatworms in three patches of secondary Brazilian Atlantic rainforest in an urban environment. Two methods of sampling were carried out, one consisting of 90 hours of active search in delimited plots covering 6,000 m² over a year, and the other consisting of leaf litter extraction from a 60 m² soil area, totaling 480600 l leaf litter. We found 288 specimens of 16 species belonging to the genera Geobia, Geoplana, Issoca, Luteostriata, Obama, Paraba, Pasipha, Rhynchodemus, Xerapoa, and the exotic species Bipalium kewense and Dolichoplana striata. Specimens up to 10 mm long were mostly sampled only with the leaf litter extraction method. Absolute densities, calculated from data obtained with leaf litter extraction, ranged between 1.25 and 2.10 individuals m². These values are 30 to 161 times higher than relative densities, calculated from data obtained by active search. Since most common sampling method used in land planarian studies on species composition and faunal inventories is active search for a few hours in a locality, our results suggest that small species might be overlooked. It remains to be tested whether similar densities of this cryptofauna are also found in primary forests.(AU)

As planárias terrestres (Platyhelminthes) são importantes componentes da criptofauna do solo, mas aspectos relevantes da sua ecologia, tais como riqueza e densidade, ainda são amplamente desconhecidos. Investigamos aqui as densidades relativa e absoluta das planárias terrestres de três manchas de mata atlântica secundária. Adotamos dois métodos de amostragens. Num método dedicamos 90 horas durante um ano à busca ativa de planárias em um conjunto de áreas demarcadas que somaram 6,000 m². O segundo método consistiu na extração das planárias de 480-600 l de serapilheira retirados de um total de 60 m² de solo. Encontramos 288 espécimes pertencentes a 16 espécies de planárias dos gêneros Geobia, Geoplana, Issoca, Luteostriata, Obama, Paraba, Pasipha, Rhynchodemus, Xerapoa, além das espécies exóticas Bipalium kewense and Dolichoplana striata. Os espécimes com até 10 mm de comprimento foram coletados principalmente por extração. As densidades absolutas, calculadas a partir dos números obtidos da extração, oscilaram entre 1,25 e 2,10 indivíduos m-². Estes valores são de 30 a 161 vezes maiores que as densidades relativas, calculadas a partir da busca direta. Como, na maioria dos estudos sobre composição de espécies e inventários faunísticos o tempo dedicado às coletas dura umas poucas horas por localidade, nossos resultados sugerem que espécies pequenas podem passar despercebidas. Ainda está por determinar-se se valores semelhantes de densidade desta criptofauna são também observados em bosques primários.(AU)

First report of the genus Cratera (Platyhelminthes, Geoplanidae) in Argentina, with description of a new species and comments on the species of the genus.

A new species of land planarians of the genus Cratera is described. Cratera viridimaculata sp. n. was recorded in the Atlantic Forest Ecoregion, in north-eastern Argentina, and represents the first report of the genus Cratera outside Brazil. The new species is about 50 mm in length and externally characterized by a color pattern consisting of a light green olive pigmentation on the dorsum, stippled with dark gray fine spots, and dorsal eyes. Other features regarding the internal anatomy are the presence of a glandular margin, Cutaneous Muscular Index (CMI) of 10-13%, pharynx cylindrical, prostatic vesicle extrabulbar, tubular and C-shaped, with a proximal bifurcated portion, penis papilla protrusible with ejaculatory duct widened in its distal portion, and female atrium funnel-shaped. The new species is compared and discussed with its congeners.

A new species of Notogynaphallia (Platyhelminthes, Geoplanidae) extends the known distribution of land planarians in Chacoan province (Chacoan subregion), South America.

BACKGROUND: The subfamily Geoplaninae (Geoplanidae) includes land planarian species of the Neotropical Region. In Argentina, the knowledge about land planarian diversity is still incipient, although this has recently increased mainly in the Atlantic Forest ecosystem. However, other regions like Chacoan forests remain virtually unexplored. RESULTS: In this paper, we describe a new species of the genus Notogynaphallia of the Chacoan subregion. This species is characterized by a black pigmentation on the dorsum and a dark grey ventral surface. The eyes with clear halos extend to the dorsal surface. The pharynx is cylindrical. The main features of the reproductive system involve testes anterior to the ovaries, prostatic vesicle intrabulbar (with a tubular proximal portion and a globose distal portion) opening broadly in a richly folded male atrium, common glandular ovovitelline duct and female genital canal dorso-anteriorly flexed constituting a "C",female atrium tubular proximally and widening distally. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of the genus Notogynaphallia in Argentina (Chacoan subregion, Neotropical Region) which increases its geographic distribution in South America. Also, as a consequence of features observed in species of the genus, we propose an emendation of the generic diagnosis.

Two new land planarian species (Platyhelminthes: Tricladida) from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

The Brazilian Atlantic Forest harbors the world's richest areas of land planarians (Platyhelminthes: Tricladida). Nevertheless, the number of undiscovered species from this biological unit remains seemingly high. Herein we describe Geoplana piriana Almeida & Carbayo, sp. nov. from the state of Rio de Janeiro, and Geoplana tingauna Kishimoto & Carbayo, sp. nov. from the state of Santa Catarina. Each species shows a dorsum with a unique color pattern among Geoplaninae species. Their internal morphology also differs: G. piriana sp. nov. shows a unique combination of features, including an extrabulbar, non-bifurcated prostatic vesicle, a non-folded male atrium, a horizontal, cylindrical penis papilla, a female atrium anteriorly narrowed, and lined with an epithelium with multilayered aspect. Geoplana tingauna sp. nov. possesses a prostatic vesicle constituted of a pair of branches opening into the very distal portion of a tubular, unpaired portion, a feature not seen in other Geoplaninae species.

Two new land planarian species (Platyhelminthes: Tricladida) from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

The Brazilian Atlantic Forest harbors the world's richest areas of land planarians (Platyhelminthes: Tricladida). Nevertheless, the number of undiscovered species from this biological unit remains seemingly high. Herein we describe Geoplana piriana Almeida & Carbayo, sp. nov. from the state of Rio de Janeiro, and Geoplana tingauna Kishimoto & Carbayo, sp. nov. from the state of Santa Catarina. Each species shows a dorsum with a unique color pattern among Geoplaninae species. Their internal morphology also differs: G. piriana sp. nov. shows a unique combination of features, including an extrabulbar, non-bifurcated prostatic vesicle, a non-folded male atrium, a horizontal, cylindrical penis papilla, a female atrium anteriorly narrowed, and lined with an epithelium with multilayered aspect. Geoplana tingauna sp. nov. possesses a prostatic vesicle constituted of a pair of branches opening into the very distal portion of a tubular, unpaired portion, a feature not seen in other Geoplaninae species.

Two new land planarian species (Platyhelminthes: Tricladida) from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

The Brazilian Atlantic Forest harbors the world's richest areas of land planarians (Platyhelminthes: Tricladida). Nevertheless, the number of undiscovered species from this biological unit remains seemingly high. Herein we describe Geoplana piriana Almeida & Carbayo, sp. nov. from the state of Rio de Janeiro, and Geoplana tingauna Kishimoto & Carbayo, sp. nov. from the state of Santa Catarina. Each species shows a dorsum with a unique color pattern among Geoplaninae species. Their internal morphology also differs: G. piriana sp. nov. shows a unique combination of features, including an extrabulbar, non-bifurcated prostatic vesicle, a non-folded male atrium, a horizontal, cylindrical penis papilla, a female atrium anteriorly narrowed, and lined with an epithelium with multilayered aspect. Geoplana tingauna sp. nov. possesses a prostatic vesicle constituted of a pair of branches opening into the very distal portion of a tubular, unpaired portion, a feature not seen in other Geoplaninae species.

Inventário de planárias terrestres (Platyhelminthes, Tricladida) em remanescente de Floresta Estacional Decidual do Sul do Brasil / Land flatworm (Platyhelminthes, Tricladida) inventory in a remnant of Subtropical Deciduous Forest in Southern Brazil

Os tricladidos terrestres são predadores de topo de cadeia no seu microhábitat, alimentando-se de outros invertebrados de solo. A riqueza de espécies de tricladidos pode indicar a diversidade de outros grupos. A composição das comunidades de planárias terrestres da Floresta Estacional Decidual, que ocupa um quarto da cobertura vegetal do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, é pouco conhecida. O presente trabalho teve como área de estudo o maior remanescente dessa formação florestal no Rio Grande do Sul, apresentando os seguintes objetivos: inventariar as espécies de planárias terrestres no Parque Estadual do Turvo (PE-Turvo) e comparar as comunidades desse Parque com as de outras áreas do estado com inventários desses tricladidos. Na área de estudo, foram inventariadas 26 espécies, sendo duas pertencentes às subfamílias Rhynchodeminae e Bipaliinae, e as demais, à subfamília Geoplaninae. Além dos gêneros Rhynchodemus Leidy 1851 e Bipalium Stimpson, 1857, foram registrados os seguintes gêneros de Geoplaninae: Geoplana Stimpson 1857, Choeradoplana Graff 1896, Pasipha Ogren & Kawakatsu 1990 e Notogynaphallia Ogren & Kawakatsu 1990, além do grupo coletivo Pseudogeoplana Ogren e Kawakatsu, 1990. O maior número de espécies foi registrado para o gênero Geoplana (10), seguido pelo gênero Pasipha (4). Geoplana rubidolineata Baptista & Leal-Zanchet, 2005 havia sido registrada anteriormente apenas para sua localidade-tipo, no nordeste do estado. Bipalium kewense Moseley, 1878, de distribuição cosmopolita, foi encontrada apenas em local submetido a alto impacto antrópico, não tendo sido registrada em áreas de floresta. Para comparar as comunidades de planárias terrestres do PE-Turvo com as de outros tipos de vegetação do estado, utilizou-se o método de ordenação NMDS. Essa análise indicou que as comunidades de planárias terrestres do PE-Turvo e de outras áreas de Floresta Decidual, Semidecidual e Floresta Ombrófila Densa diferenciam-se das comunidades de áreas de Floresta Ombrófila Mista. A alta riqueza de espécies observada no PE-Turvo reforça sua importante contribuição para a conservação da diversidade regional.

Land triclads are top-predators in their microhabitats, feeding on other soil invertebrates. The species richness of triclads may indicate the diversity of other faunal groups. The community composition of land flatworms of areas of Deciduous Forest, which occupies a quarter of the vegetal cover of the state, is poorly known. The present study inventoried land planarians of the largest remnant of this type of forest in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, the Turvo State Park (SP-Turvo) and compared their communities with those of other localities of the state with inventories of land flatworms. We inventoried 26 species, two of them belonging to the subfamilies Rhynchodeminae and Bipaliinae, and 24 to the subfamily Geoplaninae. Besides the genera Rhynchodemus Leidy 1851 and Bipalium Stimpson, 1857, the following Geoplaninae genera were recorded: Geoplana Stimpson 1857, Choeradoplana Graff 1896, Pasipha Ogren & Kawakatsu 1990 and Notogynaphallia Ogren & Kawakatsu 1990, as well as the collective group Pseudogeoplana Ogren & Kawakatsu, 1990. The highest species richness was registered for the genus Geoplana (10), followed by the genus Pasipha (4). Geoplana rubidolineata Baptista & Leal-Zanchet, 2005 was previously only known from its type-locality, located in the northeast of the state. Bipalium kewense Moseley, 1878 which shows a cosmopolitan distribution was observed in a man-disturbed area, not being registered in forest areas. We employed an NMDS ordination to compare land planarian communities of the Turvo State Park to those of other types of forest of the state. The analysis indicated that land planarian communities of the Turvo State Park and those of other areas with Deciduous, Semideciduous and Dense Ombrophilous Forests differ from those of Mixed Ombrophilous Forests of the region. The high observed species richness in the Turvo State Park reinforces its important contribution for the conservation of the regional diversity.

A new species of terrestrial planarian (Platyhelminthes: Tricladida: Terricola) from South Brazil

Geoplana josefi sp. nov. of South Brazil is described herein. The species shows etary polymorphism. Neither youngs nor adults show the characteristic colour pattern of the mature worms. The species has a multilayered lining in the female atrium. The allopatric G. trigueira, which does not have such a lining, is similar externally and internally with adults of G. josefi, its seminal vesicle, however, being unpaired.

Descreve-se Geoplana josefi sp. nov., do sul do Brasil. A espécie apresenta polimorfismo etário. Os indivíduos jovens e adultos apresentam um padrão de coloração distinto do dos indivíduos maduros. A espécie possui um epitélio de revestimento pluriestratificado no átrio feminino. A espécie alopátrica G. trigueira apresenta semelhanças em sua morfologia externa e interna com a espécie aqui descrita, porém, não possui esse tipo de revestimento e sua vesícula seminal é ímpar.