Rediscovery of the nemertean Prostoma graecense from Xochimilco, 75 years after its first and only record

A freshwater nemertean, Prostoma graecense, previously thought lost to science for 75 years, has been rediscovered in Lake Xochimilco. This finding resolves its long-standing taxonomic identity through combined morphological and molecular analysis, including mitochondrial DNA sequencing. The study suggests the species may have a cosmopolitan distribution, potentially introduced to distant regions from its unknown original range. This rediscovery highlights the importance of integrating molecular data into nemertean research and provides a foundation for future studies on both freshwater and marine species in this group.

Lagunas-Calvo, O., Hernández-Mena, D. I., Rivas, G., Contreras- Mirón, S., Mendoza-Garfias, B., Echeverría-Martínez, O. M., & Oceguera-Figueroa, A. F. (2018). Rediscovery of the nemertean Prostoma graecense from Xochimilco, 75 years after its first and only record. Revista Mexicana de Biodiversidad, 89(1). https://doi.org/10.22201/ib.20078706e.2018.1.2094