Key to the genera and checklist of species of Australian temnocephalans (Temnocephalida)

Abstract

Temnocephalans are small, active ectosymbiotic flatworms that in Australia are associated with freshwater crustacean hosts, particularly crayfish of the family Parastacidae. There are 91 named Australian temnocephalan species comprised of 13 genera, viz. Didymorchis, and Zygopella; most with distinctive dorsal facies. Methods to collect, handle and process temnocephalans are outlined. Techniques suitable to examine the sclerotic components of the cirrus and vagina for discrimination to the level of species are reiterated briefly. All current Australian temnocephalan species and their authorities are listed. A key to discriminate the Australia genera is presented, based on a small suite of morphological characters, most related to the organs of attachment and locomotion, and visible on live specimens with a stereo dissecting microscope. The aim of this key is to provide shortcuts to taxonomic identification that will help to reduce the practice of lumping, at the family level, temnocephalans collected in ecological, biomonitoring and biodiversity studies.