New Flatworm Species Discovered in Pune's Pashan Lake
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Discovery | New regenerating flatworm species, Dugesia punensis, found in Pashan Lake, Pune. |
| Published In | Records of the Zoological Survey of India. |
| Significance | First discovery of a new planarian species in India since 1983. |
| Key Features | - Spotted dark brown dorsal surface, light brown back, pale ventral side, bright black eyes in auricular grooves. <br> - Body length: 8mm to 12mm. <br> - Slightly reduced auricles, elongated pharynx, long gonopore, circular reddish eggs. |
| Feeding Behavior | Feeds on chicken liver. |
| Regeneration Ability | Can fully regenerate within 10-13 days even after 15-20 days of starvation. |
| Morphological Trait | More delicate compared to known species. |
| Ecological Importance | Highlights Pashan Lake as a critical wetland habitat in the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot. |