Structure of the male copulatory apparatus inPrognathorhynchus busheki(Platyhelminthes, Kalyptorhynchia).
Gnathorhynchidae is a diverse taxon of predatory eukalyptorhynch flatworms characterized by an armed proboscis. Their present taxonomy is not concordant with what we know of their phylogeny. Further progress in this area is hindered by a lack of information concerning their morphology. As recent studies have shown, a historical reliance on live observations for species descriptions has resulted in a number of errors and omissions. Here, we redescribe the anatomy of the male copulatory organ ofPrognathorhynchus bushekiusing transmission-electron and confocal microscopy, correcting several errors in the original description. Furthermore, we use these results to update our understanding of the anatomy and evolution of male copulatory organs in Gnathorhynchidae and in Platyhelminthes more generally.
Biology Department, Westfield State University, Westfield MA.
David A
DA
Doe
Department of Biology, Winthrop University, Rock Hill, SC USA.
Julian P S
JP
Smith
flatworms; meiofauna; prostatic vesicle; reproduction; stylet
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