Context
A new species of regenerative freshwater flatworm, Dugesia punensis, has been discovered in Pashan Lake, Pune, Maharashtra. This marks the first such identification in India since 1983.
About Dugesia punensis
- Taxonomic Group:
Belongs to the genus Dugesia under the phylum Platyhelminthes (flatworms). - Type:
A free-living, non-parasitic flatworm, known for its remarkable regenerative ability.
Distinct Features
| Trait | Description |
| Body Coloration | Dorsal side: Spotted dark brown with a light brown midline; Ventral side: Pale. |
| Anatomy | Slightly reduced auricles, elongated pharynx and gonopore. |
| Eyes | Two prominent black eyes located in auricular grooves. |
| Eggs | Reddish, circular eggs. |
| Regeneration Time | Completes regeneration in 10–13 days, even after 15–20 days without food. |
| Diet | Feeds on chicken liver in laboratory settings. |
Ecological & Scientific Significance
- Biodiversity Value:
Enhances the known diversity of planarians and highlights the rich, yet understudied, biodiversity of the Western Ghats, a global biodiversity hotspot. - Scientific Contribution:
Adds important data to the taxonomy of freshwater flatworms and demonstrates the survival adaptability and regenerative biology of planarians. - Historical Note:
This is the first planarian species discovered in India in over four decades.
About Planarians (General Features)
- Habitat:
Found in freshwater, marine, and terrestrial ecosystems. - Body Structure:
- Soft, leaf-like, bilaterally symmetrical body.
- Possess light-sensitive eyespots and a ladder-like nervous system.
- Digestive system consists of a muscular pharynx and branched intestine (no anus).
- Excretion:
Through specialized cells known as flame cells. - Brain:
Simple central nervous system with paired ganglia acting as a primitive brain.