Abstract

MUNOZ, Mauricio A  and  VELEZ, Imelda. Redescription and some ecological aspects of Girardia tigrina, G. cameliae y G. paramensis (Dugesiidae, Tricladida) in Antioquia, Colombia. Rev. Mex. Biodiv. [online]. 2007, vol.78, n.2, pp.291-301. ISSN 2007-8706.

The Turbellaria comprises 2 orders: Catenulida and Rhabditophora. In the latter, the suborder Paludicola contains the families Dendrocoelidae, Dugesiidae and Planariidae. In this study, we found Girardia cameliae, Girardia paramensis and Giardia tigrina (Dugesiidae) in 22 aquatic systems using manual capture in river ponds zones of central and southeastern Antioquia. In 3 individuals per species, a description of: corporal color, length, and wide; head form and size; auricles position; intraocular distance; pharynx length and position, was made. A histological analysis of gonopore; penis bulb, papilla, glands and lumen; seminal vesicles and vas deferens; masculine atrium; testes; bursal canal and copulatory bursa; ovary and oviducts; shell gland, was also conducted. Water oxygen content, pH, conductivity, and hardness, were measured. The graphical reconstruction of the reproductive organs (taxonomical characters) on serial histological cuts was made. G. tigrina and G. paramensis present a broad geographical distribution. These species ate ex-situ: Daphnia pulex, Chironomus sp., Culex sp. and Drosophila sp. (larval stages). These flatworms prefer waters (BMWP/Col index) II - III water class. The physical and chemical aspects did not exhibit differences between G. tigrina and G. paramensis. G. cameliae was found in one only locality with unusual conditions.

Keywords : taxonomy; ecology; Turbellaria; flatworms; Neotropical.

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