Notoplana sanguinea

The Tapered Flatworm

Phylum Platyhelminthes
Class Turbellaria
Order Polycladida
Suborder Acotylea
Family Leptoplanidae
Genus Notoplana
Species sanguinea

Description: 6 cm long 2 cm wide; brown to tan with two small black eyespots; flat, oval, tapered; widest near anterior, tapered toward posterior.

Habitat: Found on rocks, floats, pilings, and docks between high and low-tide lines.

Natural History: This common flatworm is often overlooked by those collecting invertebrates. It is found in large numbers camoflaged on rocks. It is carnivorous, feeding upon barnacles, small limpets, worms, and other small invertebrates. Most specimens are hermaphroditic.