Family PSEUDOCEROTIDAE Lang, 1884
- Pseudocerotidae Lang, 1884.
Type genus:
Pseudoceros Lang, 1884.
Introduction
Preservation and Examination Methods
Taxonomic studies of the Pseudocerotidae are hampered by the difficulty often experienced in preserving these polyclads. Traditional methods of fixation of these delicate animals often fails to preserve adequately the colour and physical markings as well as failing to maintain flat and well-formed bodies. Newman & Cannon (1995) devised a novel method of fixation onto frozen FCA-PGPP (formaldehyde calcium acetate - propylene glycol, propylene phenoxetol), which preserves both colours and markings, while fixing the animals in a flattened state, making them ready for histological examination.
DNA Studies
Goggin & Newman (1996) used the ITS1 rDNA gene to discriminate among 3 species of pseudocerotid worms. They found this marker useful at specific and generic levels.
Excluded Taxa
- Misidentifications
Cryptoceros Faubel, 1984 [suppressed] — Litvaitis, M.K., Bolaños, D.M. & Quiroga, S.Y. 2010. When names are wrong and colours deceive: unravelling the Pseudoceros bicolour species complex (Turbellaria: Polycladida). Journal of Natural History 44: 829-845 [Date published 15 March, 2010]
General References
Goggin, C.L. & Newman, L.J. 1996. Use of molecular data to discriminate pseudocerotid turbellarians. Journal of Helminthology 70: 123-126
Newman, L.J. & Cannon, L.R.G. 1995. The importance of the fixation of colour, pattern and form in tropical Pseudocerotidae (Platyhelminthes, Polycladida). Hydrobiologia 305: 141-143
History of changes
Published | As part of group | Action Date | Action Type | Compiler(s) |
---|---|---|---|---|
20-May-2023 | RHABDITOPHORA Ehlers, 1985 | 20-May-2023 | MODIFIED | Dr Nicholas Wee (QM) |
28-Sep-2022 | RHABDITOPHORA Ehlers, 1985 | 11-Apr-2023 | MODIFIED | |
25-Jan-2022 | "TURBELLARIA" | 20-May-2023 | MODIFIED | |
03-Oct-2018 | POLYCLADIDA Lang, 1884 (sensu Faubel, 1983) | 20-May-2023 | MODIFIED | Ms Jo Wood |
06-Sep-2017 | "TURBELLARIA" | 20-May-2023 | MODIFIED | Dr Kathryn Hall Dr Alberto Venchi |
17-Aug-2015 | "TURBELLARIA" | 20-May-2023 | MODIFIED | Dr Kathryn Hall |
"TURBELLARIA" | 06-Jul-2012 | ADDED | Dr Kathryn Hall |