|
|
Sphaerodoridae
Description
The prostomium and peristomium are not distinct; they
appear fused to the body in most taxa. One pair of antennae
and one pair of simple ventral palps are present, as is a median
antenna. Nuchal organs are present. The first
segment has one pair of tentacular cirri. The muscular
eversible pharynx has terminal papillae; jaws are absent. A
muscular proventricle is present. Parapodia have welldeveloped
neuropodia, and ventral cirri are present; lateral macrotubercles of may
represent dorsal cirri, or else notopodia and dorsal cirri are absent.
At least two rows of tubercles are present on the dorsum,
often with a retractile nipple-like end; smaller papillae may
also be present. Tubercles and papillae also often occur on the
ventral surface. Chaetae are composite or simple. Aciculae
and a pair of pygidial cirri are present.
The above description is taken from Wilson (2000), which in turn follows that of Fauchald & Rouse (1997).
Identification tips
Recognising the family
The distinctive regular longitudinal rows of large and small papillae make the Sphaerodoridae easily recognisable.
Distinguishing species
...
Description | Identification
tips | Natural History | Diversity
| Checklist | References
| Interactive Key
|
|
