Feeding, maintenance and reproduction of Microplana terrestris (Platyhelminthes: Tricladida: Continenticola: Geoplaninae: Microplaninae) under laboratory conditions

Seven specimens of Microplana terrestris were kept individually to establish seven dynasties of flatworms. Flatworms were fed almost exclusively on chopped Eisenia fetida. Feeding commenced sometimes within 2 minutes and continued for up to 11.5 hours. One specimen lived for 39 months, and some individuals over-grew to more than double normal size. No reduction in feeding during cocoon production was observed. Over four years 77 adults produced 407 cocoons and 1518 hatchlings, 1204 without mating. A total of 18 first, 142 second, 235 third and 12 fourth generation cocoons were obtained. The first cocoon was shed 195 ± 75 days after hatching, the median shedding frequency was 30 days thereafter. The number of cocoons shed per flatworm was 5.7 ± 7.3 at a rate of up to 0.37 cocoons per flatworm per week. There was a relationship between the time to first shedding and longevity and between longevity and the number of cocoons shed. The incubation period was 28 ± 2 days at 16.9°C, 40 ± 3 days at 11.5°C and 85 ±...