This planarian species was discovered by the Italian entomologist Mario Pavan on 18 October 1936 in a subterranean pool below a waterfall in Bus del Budrio cave in northern Italy.

The specimens were sent to the Italian biologist Maffo Vialli, who described the species, naming it Dendrocoelum italicum.

The species survived in a very reduced environment formed by a small rivulet and some ponds created by water dripping from the roof of the cave.

Afterward, the pipe and its associated structure were removed from the cave, allowing the water to follow its natural curse and restoring the pool.

The ecosystem was monitored until January 2018, when it was concluded that the restoration was successful and the population of D. italicum was stable.