Methods for taxonomic and distributional studies of terrestrial flatworms (Tricladida: Terricola)

Traditionally used methods for collecting and preserving terrestrial flatworms have proved deficient in various respects. Comparison of methods for preparing these animals for taxonomic study has shown that preservation of morphological characters can best be achieved using formaldehyde-calcium-cobalt fixative and subsequent storage in an aqueous solution of propylene phenoxetol plus propylene glycol and that the best-lasting histological preparations make use of light-fast, oxidation-resistant dyes and synthetic mounting media with an anti-oxidant.