Survey of Flatworms and Ribbon Worms in GSMNP
Survey of Flatworms and Ribbon Worms in GSMNP
This project surveys free-living flatworms (turbellaria) and ribbon worms (Nemertea) in GSMNP and examines their ecology and distribution. These worms are common and important inhabitants of streams and forests, but their ecology is not clearly understood. Some species occur in critically endangered and at risk habitats. Distribution and ecological data collected will add to the understanding of these basal invertebrate phyla and the park environments where they are found.
Project DLIA2010-06 surveyed turbellaria flatworms (Platyhelminthes) and ribbon worms (Nemertea) in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Collections were made in the park from 5:29 p.m. 20 May 2010 to 3:54 p.m. 30 October 2010. A total of 78 samples were taken at various locations (sites) in the park. At each sampled site, GPS coordinates, weather conditions, air and water temperatures, water pH, notes on habitats, ecology, and species were recorded. A hand count of planarian species to determine relative abundance was made at some sites. Sample data on species ecology for park resource use was gathered. In summary, found were: two ribbon worm specimens, 18 land planarian specimens (Continenticola: Geoplanidae), eight microturbellaria species that are new reports for the park (five of certain determination and three of tentative determination). Besides these discoveries, the distribution of previously reported species was extended and information on their ecology recorded. Specimens of Bothrioplana semperi and Geocentrophora applanata were found in the park, species that are seldom collected. Specimens of Catenula leptocephala were found, a small microturbellarian often overlooked in turbellaria sampling. Not much is known of endemic land planarians and specimens will be added to park records and entered in the park ATBI database.
