Turbellarians: Turbellaria

Physical characteristics: Adults of the species Notoplana acticola (abbreviated as N. acticola) are 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 6 centimeters) long. They are tan or pale gray with darker markings along the center. The body usually is widest toward the front but is tapered at both ends. There are tentacle-like eyelike structures in rounded clusters with scattered ones in front of, behind, and sometimes beside them. About twenty-five more complex eye structures are present in a lengthwise band.

Geographic range: N. acticola lives in the Pacific Ocean on the coast of North America.

Notoplana acticola eat small, shelled mollusks, small barnacles, and worms. (Illustration by Marguette Dongvillo. Reproduced by permission.)

Habitat: N. acticola lives in shallow seawater on rocks.

Diet: N. acticola can eat prey up to half its size. It eats limpets, which are small, shelled mollusks; small barnacles; and worms.

Behavior and reproduction: N. acticola rapidly repairs its nerves if they are severed. Individuals of N. acticola make both eggs and sperm. They deposit their eggs in one another in late spring to early fall.

Notoplana acticola and people: N. acticola has no known importance to people.

Conservation status: N. acticola is not threatened or endangered. ∎