Small animals
Small flatworms
Microturbellarians (Stenostomum and relatives)
Soft, flattened worms gliding on a carpet of cilia, changing shape smoothly as they move.
What to look for
- No segments, no bristles; the body is soft and shape-changing.
- Smooth gliding over surfaces; Stenostomum often forms chains of individuals.
- Larger planarians have a triangular head with two eyespots.
Size in the field
Small species are about a field width at 100×; planarians are visible to the naked eye.
Where to find it
On plants and detritus; planarians under stones.
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