Orostylis gen. nov., a new genus of Dalytyphloplanida with seven new species (Platyhelminthes: Rhabdocoela)

We describe a new genus of dalytyphloplanid rhabdocoels, with seven new species. Orostylis gen. nov. has a unique combination of characters including the presence of a sclerotised stylet, an anteriorly positioned male copulatory organ with the male genital pore in the buccal cavity, and the absence of an oviduct. The ovary empties directly into the intestinal lumen. Orostylis dohae sp. nov., Orostylis asinaraensis sp. nov., Orostylis caecus sp. nov., Orostylis distortus sp. nov., Orostylis donanae sp. nov., Orostylis gallicus sp. nov., and Orostylis timucuorum sp. nov. are distinguished from each other by the structure of the sclerotised parts of the male copulatory organ. Molecular and morphological evidence place the new genus in Neodalyellida Willems et al. 2006, and similarities with other taxa are discussed.

Automated summary

The newly discovered genus Orostylis of dalytyphloplanid rhabdocoels has unique characteristics such as a sclerotised stylet, an anterior male copulatory organ, and direct emptying of the ovary into the intestinal lumen. The seven new species within Orostylis are distinguished by the structure of the sclerotised parts of the male copulatory organ. This new genus is placed in Neodalyellida Willems et al. 2006 based on molecular and morphological evidence, with discussions on similarities with other taxa.