Exotic catenulid flatworms (Platyhelminthes, Catenulida) and where to find them in a temperate climate - a field study in a botanic garden

Catenulids are free-living flatworms common in eutrophic freshwaters like ponds and ditches, with most described diversity from tropical regions. However, most molecular studies have used specimens from temperate Europe, creating a mismatch between taxonomic knowledge and genetic data. This study sampled localities in a temperate climate, specifically within a botanic garden, to investigate whether exotic catenulid species occur there. The findings could help reconcile biogeographic patterns and improve understanding of catenulid diversity in human-modified temperate habitats. Further results may inform future molecular phylogenies by adding temperate-locality specimens to global datasets.