New Regenerating Flatworm Species Discovered

• 10 Jun 2025

In June, 2025, researchers announced the discovery of a new planarian species Dugesia punensis in Pashan Lake, marking the first such discovery in India since 1983.

Key Points

• The Discovery: Dugesia punensis, a freshwater flatworm known for its regeneration ability.
• Unique Features: It has a dark-spotted dorsal surface, slightly reduced auricles, elongated pharynx and gonopore, and circular reddish eggs. Body length ranges from 8mm to 12mm.
• Regenerative Capacity: The worm can regenerate fully within 10–13 days, even after 15–20 days of starvation, and feeds on chicken liver.
• Ecological Significance: The study emphasizes the importance of Pashan Lake, part of the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot, as a habitat for endemic species.