What is Dugesia Punensis?

About Dugesia Punensis:

• It is a new species of planarian worm.
  • Planarians are aquatic flatworms, renowned for their extraordinary regenerative capabilities.
• It was discovered in Pashan Lake, Pune district, Maharashtra, a wetland within the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot.
• It is the first time since 1983 that a new planarian species has been recorded in India.
• Features:
  • The new species is characterised by its spotted appearance, slightly reduced auricles, and elongated pharynx and gonopore.
  • The body size ranges between 8mm-12mm in length.
  • The dorsal side is spotted dark brown in appearance, with a light brown back.
  • The ventral side looks pale.
  • Eggs are circular and have a reddish appearance.
  • Auricular grooves enclose two bright black eyes
  • It can completely regenerate in 10-13 days.