Checklist of "Turbellaria" (Platyhelminthes) from São Paulo State, Brazil

Abstract

A recent survey of the literature and databases on turbellarian fauna from the State of São Paulo, Brazil, yielded a total of 312 species (including Acoelomorpha, a new phylum) inhabiting marine, as well as freshwater, and terrestrial habitats. In 1999, approximately 333 species were registered. This higher number is related to a number of species synonymized thereafter, and probably related to lower accuracy of prior accounts. Nonetheless, the only two taxonomists studying this animal group in the State estimated a much higher actual number of species. In the State there are three scientific collections containing turbellarians, almost exclusively from terrestrial habitats.