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  • 12 Jun 2025
  • 2 min read
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New Flatworm Species Discovered in Pune

Why in News? 

A new regenerating flatworm species, Dugesia punensis, has been discovered in the Pashan Lake, Pune. 

  • The findings, published in the Records of the Zoological Survey of India, mark India’s first discovery of a new planarian species since 1983. 

Note: Planarians are aquatic flatworms known for their remarkable regenerative abilities, earning them the title 'immortal under the edge of a knife'.

Key Points 

  • About Dugesia punensis: 
    • The species has a spotted dark brown dorsal surface and a light brown back. 
    • The ventral side is pale, and the eyes appear bright black, enclosed in auricular grooves. 
    • Body length ranges from 8mm to 12mm. 
    • Features include slightly reduced auricles, an elongated pharynx, and a long gonopore. 
    • The eggs are circular and reddish in appearance. 
  • Feeding and Regeneration: 
    • It feeds on chicken liver. 
    • Even after starvation for 15–20 days, the worm regenerates completely within 10–13 days. 
    • Researchers observed that Dugesia punensis is morphologically more delicate compared to known species. 
  • Ecological Significance: 

Biodiversity Hotspots in India


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