THE ANATOMY OF MICROPLANA-TERMITOPHAGA FROM ZIMBABWE AND KENYA - CONFIRMATION OF THE SUBFAMILY AND GENUS

Microplana termitophaga has been observed feeding on termites in Harar e, Zimbabwe. In small specimens the pharynx is about two-thirds of the way along the body, but in large specimens the pharynx is only one qu arter of the way along the body. Details of the subepidermal musculatu re of specimens from Kenya and Zimbabwe are described which confirm th e previously uncertain assignment of the species to the subfamily Micr oplaninae. Sexually mature specimens are found towards the end of the wet season in Zimbabwe. The anatomy of the reproductive system is desc ribed. The gonopore is about two-thirds of the way along the body in m ature specimens, but sexual maturity seems not to be related simply to size. There is a genito-intestinal duct which confirms that the speci es is of the genus Microplana.