Latest Articles from Neotropical Biology and Conservation Latest 3 Articles from Neotropical Biology and Conservation https://neotropical.pensoft.net/ Fri, 29 Mar 2024 01:56:31 +0200 Pensoft FeedCreator https://neotropical.pensoft.net/i/logo.jpg Latest Articles from Neotropical Biology and Conservation https://neotropical.pensoft.net/ Regeneration in a Neotropical land planarian (Platyhelminthes, Tricladida) https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/103357/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 18(3): 163-176

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.18.e103357

Authors: Piter Kehoma Boll, Ilana Rossi, Silvana Vargas do Amaral, Ana Maria Leal-Zanchet

Abstract: Planarians are known for their ability to regenerate missing body parts. However, little is known about the regeneration ability of land planarians, especially regarding Neotropical species. Herein, we investigated the regeneration in the Neotropical land planarian Luteostriata abundans. Specimens were cut in two at different points along the body and monitored for 50 days. Larger and anterior pieces survived more than smaller posterior pieces. Anterior pieces that retained the pharynx continued to feed normally as intact animals, while posterior pieces that retained the pharynx lost its function temporarily. The growth rate was similar amongst all pieces across 50 days. Anterior mouthless pieces regenerated the pharynx and mouth significantly faster than posterior mouthless pieces. After 50 days, the relative position of the mouth along the body reached values close to intact animals in all regenerating pieces. In general, anterior pieces showed higher survival and regenerated faster than posterior fragments, which agrees with observations with other planarian species. However, surviving posterior pieces were able to retain the proportions of intact animals as well. Our results suggest that L. abundans has a good regenerative capacity similar to many freshwater planarians.

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Research Article Wed, 27 Sep 2023 19:00:05 +0300
Land planarians (Platyhelminthes) also prey on web-building spiders https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/103322/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 18(3): 157-162

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.18.e103322

Authors: João C. F. Cardoso, Fernando Carbayo, Marcelo O. Gonzaga

Abstract: Although spiders and land planarians constitute diverse groups of terrestrial predators, interactions between them are still unknown. Here, we describe a predatory event of a land planarian (Choeradoplana cf. gladismariae) on a web-building spider (Helvibis longicauda) in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. The prey was constricted and covered with sticky mucus while remaining on its web trying to protect its egg sac. The event was observed in the middle-end afternoon at ca. 1.80 m height. Our observation broadens the scope of possible natural enemies of web-building spiders and the prey items of land planarians. It also indicates that these organisms can capture and overpower dangerous predatory arthropods, suggesting that even complex three-dimensional sticky webs can be ineffective against the attack of land planarians. Finally, we also show that land planarians can exhibit a flexible foraging strategy, exploiting the environment during the day and at higher heights from the ground. Our observation opens new possibilities involving focal observations and experiments using spiders and land planarians as models in predator-prey research.

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Short Communication Wed, 27 Sep 2023 19:00:04 +0300
Current state of knowledge on freshwater planarians (Platyhelminthes, Tricladida, Dugesiidae) from Chile https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/82779/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 17(3): 185-203

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.17.e82779

Authors: Constanza Vásquez-Doorman, Javiera Escobedo, Miguel L. Allende

Abstract: The unique geography of Chile encompasses a wide diversity of ecosystems and a rich biodiversity. However, the platyhelminth fauna has been poorly studied. The aim of this work is to compile the historical record of freshwater planarians described for this country. We accessed worldwide databases and published articles to provide a comprehensive review of their discovery history, morphological characteristics and their localities. Freshwater planarians have been collected mainly in central and southern Chile, while in the northern region a single species has been described. The discovery of new species of freshwater triclads has the potential to reveal novel animal models to study regeneration and/or biological adaptations, as some species are suitable for culture in the laboratory. We discuss the many reasons why further research is needed for this animal group, which should include genomic and molecular genetic studies.

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Review Article Fri, 5 Aug 2022 10:32:39 +0300