A Polypharyngeal marine flatworm (<i>Platyhelminthes</i>, <i>Proseriata</i>, <i>Archimonocelididae</i>) from eastern Australia

Abstract

Archimonocelis medusa sp. nov. is described from eastern Australia. The species is characterized by numerous (15–25) pharynges, as well as by details of sclerotized organs and karyotype. It is the first polypharyngeal marine flatworm known, and the first record of polypharyngy outside the Tricladida. Polypharyngy is interpreted as a disruption of the processes of pharyngeal induction and inhibition during development. Its possible adaptiveness is discussed