Apidioplana apluda

Apidioplana apluda is a species of flatworm in the family Apidioplanidae.^[1] It can be found on the Great Barrier Reef as a symbiote of gorgonian corals.^[2]

Apidioplana apluda
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Platyhelminthes
Order:	Polycladida
Family:	Apidioplanidae
Genus:	Apidioplana
Species:	A. apluda
Binomial name
Apidioplana apluda Cannon, 1990

Description

A. apluda is about 2 by 1 mm in size. The dorsum is a russet red color, while the ventral side is grey. There are four anterio-lateral eyes, in addition to two smaller median pairs. Distinctive of A. apluda is the presence of several 'apioid' organs on the ventral surface of the body; these organs each consist of a muscular capsule.^[2]

Etymology

The specific epithet is derived from the Latin apluda, meaning "scale" or "chaff". It is in reference to the species being closely applied to their host.^[2]

Distribution and ecology

A. apluda is known to be found on the Great Barrier Reef, acting as a symbiote of corals from the genus Melithaea.^[2]