Spathula | |
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Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Platyhelminthes |
Order: | Tricladida |
Family: | Dugesiidae |
Genus: | Spathula Nurse, 1950 |
Species | |
See text |
Spathula is a genus of dugesiid triclad. Its species are found in Australia and New Zealand.
Until 1977, Spathula was ranked as a subgenus of Dugesia.[1] The name of the genus derives from the Latin spathula, meaning "broad, flat piece".
Specimens of this genus have a triangular head.[2] Along with this, the genus was originally defined as planarians with "one atrium (undivided) around the penis, into which opens the bursa stalk" and numerous testes.[3]
The following species are recognised in the genus Spathula[4]