Dalyellia viridis is a species of rhabdocoel flatworm in the family Dalyelliidae.[1]
| Dalyellia viridis | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Platyhelminthes |
| Order: | Rhabdocoela |
| Family: | Dalyelliidae |
| Genus: | Dalyellia |
| Species: | D. viridis
|
| Binomial name | |
| Dalyellia viridis (Shaw, 1791)
| |
Description edit
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 edit
It was described in 1791 by George Shaw as Hirudo viridis.[1]
Distribution and habitat edit
It occurs in freshwater in stagnant waterbodies. It is most frequently found in temporary pools.[3]
Ecology and behavior edit
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 edit
- ^ a b "Dalyellia viridis". Turbellarian taxonomic database. Archived from the original on 2021-05-15. Retrieved 2021-05-15.
- ^ a b Streble, H. & Krauter, D. (1988). Das Leben im Wassertropfen. Stuttgart: Franckh. pp. 266–267.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ a b c d Young, J. O. (2001). Keys to the freshwater microturbellarians of Britain and Ireland. Ambleside: Freshwater Biological Association.