About Geonemertes pelaensis Semper, 1863
Geonemertes pelaensis Semper, 1863 is a species of terrestrial ribbon worm (Nemertea). Superficially, it resembles land flatworms of the family Geoplanidae and lives in the same habitats, but it can be distinguished from flatworms by key anatomical traits: G. pelaensis has an anterior protrusible proboscis, while flatworms have a pharynx located on their ventral side at the midpoint of the body. The number of eyes (ocelli) this nemertean possesses ranges between 4 and 8. It is commonly found on islands across the Indo-Pacific, and has been introduced by human activity to Caribbean islands and Florida. In wild populations, G. pelaensis is a documented predator of gastropods; in laboratory settings, it has been recorded preying on isopods and amphipods.
