Planarians of temporary waters (Platyhelminthes, Tricladida)

Freshwater planarians are fragile animals susceptible to desiccation and high temperature and characterized by a poor dispersal power requiring contiguous freshwaters to survive and disperse. They are indeed excellent biogeographic models. However, some species of Planariidae (generaPhagocataandHymanella) and Dugesiidae (genusSpathula) are known inhabiting temporary waters particularly from the Nearctic, Palaearctic and Australasian regions.