Experimental studies on egg production by Convoluta roscoffensis: Graff, 1882 (Turbellaria,Acoela)

Convoluta roscoffensis collected from the natural habitat in reproductive condition laid egg capsules for up to 16 weeks under laboratory conditions. However, both the number of capsules laid and number of embryos per capsule decreased with time in culture. When animals were maintained in an alternating light and dark regime, the capsules were laid during the dark period. Animals ceased to deposit egg capsules within five days of incubation in the photosynthetic inhibitor, DCMU. This suggests that metabolism of the algal symbionts of C. roscoffensis contributes to egg production.