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Tuatara: Volume 4, Issue 2, December 1951

A Guide to the Families and Genera of New Zealand Polychaetes*

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A Guide to the Families and Genera of New Zealand Polychaetes*

The Polychaeta together with the oligochaeta (earthworms and their allies) form the important class Chaetopoda (bristleworms) of the phylum Annelida. In contrast to the earthworms their external anatomy is often highly complex. The body is usually distinctly ringed and typically each segment bears a pair of muscular, locomotor feet (fig. 59) or swimming paddles, the parapodia, which carry bristles or setae (chaetae). They differ from earthworms in that the sexes are usually distinct. In size they range from tiny, microscopic worms up to individuals several feet in length. Their colours are extremely varied and when alive are often objects of great beauty. The large majority of the species are marine, a number inhabit brackish water and a few species have been found in fresh water. Parasitism is exceptional but commensalism occurs in several families, especially the Polynoidae, species of which are found living with holothurians, starfish and in the tubes of Terebellids.

Polychaetes occupy every type of habitat found in the seas and occur at all depths and on every kind of bottom, being especially abundant between the tide marks. They may be free living, i.e. crawling on the surface, among stones and algae, buried in the bottom material and swimming; or they may be sedentary, i.e. living in tubes or burrows. On the basis of habitat they have been divided into two sections Errantia (Freeliving) and Sedentaria (Sedentary). Although there are transitional forms between the two groups it is convenient to retain this old division.

Classification is based mainly on external characters; but of these, size, markings and colouration vary enormously in many species, and can be used only with discretion.

So far about 250 species of Polychaetes have been described from the New Zealand region. Many of these have been recorded only once and the specimens are deposited in overseas museums. New species and new records have turned up in most of the collections made by the author, so if genera are found that do not fit the keys they may prove to be new. The writer would be interested to receive specimens from any part of New Zealand.

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Collection and Preservation

As mentioned above Polychaetes are found in every type of marine habitat. Burrowing species in the intertidal region often require considerable digging effort, the burrows often being up to two feet or more in length. A good method of obtaining the smaller burrowing species from sand and mud is to transfer a spadeful to a fine meshed sieve and wash out the material by shaking the sieve under water. On the rocky shore Polychaetes may be found crawling on the surface, under boulders (especially sedentary tube building species), in cracks and crevices, among seaweed and other growths on the rocks such as hydroids, tunicates, mussel beds etc. Particularly good hiding places are the holdfasts of the big kelps Macrocystis, Durvillea and Sarcophycus and the encrusting tube masses of the common intertidal Serpulid, Pomatoceros coeruleus. If the holdfasts, tube masses, plant and animal growths and scrapings off the rocks are placed in dishes of sea-water for some time many of the smaller species of Polychaetes crawl out onto the sides of the dish. The addition of a few drops of formalin often assists this process. A better method still is to break up the material and search for the small Polychaetes in a flat shallow dish under a binocular. The writer has obtained 25 species from one lump of Pomatoceros tubes by this method. Sub-littoral species are obtained by dredging or by using a Petersen grab or other type of bottom sampler.

Polychaetes are usually preserved in 70% alcohol to which a little glycerine has been added (about 5%). Formalin added to sea-water, in the ratio of one part commercial formalin to 15 parts sea-water, to which a little glycerine has been added is also satisfactory for most species. If the worms are placed directly into alcohol or formalin they contract, distorting features used in classification and the more fragile species break up, losing their appendages. It is therefore necessary to anaesthetize them by adding magnesium sulphate crystals to the water or by the gradual addition of alcohol. The writer has found chlorbutol very effective, especially for small and delicate species; a few crystals are sprinkled on the water (chlorbutol is sparingly soluble) and the worms are transferred to the preservative when they no longer respond to the touch of a needle. In order to identify many species it is necessary to have the pharynx everted; some species evert the pharynx when placed in 70% alcohol, others retract it. If the body of the worm is pressed behind the head when it is placed in the preservative the pharynx can be everted and prevented from retracting. It is necessary to make notes as to the colour of the various regions of the body before preserving, as the colour fades quickly in alcohol and formalin. In order to make specific determination it is usually necessary to make preparations of the parapodia and to examine the setae. Temporary preparations are best mounted in glycerine as the setae are more readily seen. Permanent preparations should be mounted either unstained in glycerine jelly or the setae may be stained with safranin, methylene blue or toluidin blue. An excellent mounting medium is the polyvinyl alcohol mountant (Salmon, page 65 T.R.S.N.Z., 77(5), p.250). Parapodia and small specimens can be mounted directly from water, or from alcohol or formalin and the details of the setae are beautifully clear.

Structure of Polychaetes

The general form of the body is extremely variable. The Errant Polychaetes are active carnivorous worms with the segments of the body all alike, except at the anterior end where there is a distinct head and at the posterior extremity, the tail or pygidium. The head (fig. 37) consists of the prostomium or head proper and the peristomium or buccal segment. The form of the prostomium is varied; it may be a simple cone as in Lumbrinereis (fig. 50), annulated as in Glycera and Goniada (fig. 48) or more complicated, bearing 2 or 3 pairs of appendages as in the Nereidae (fig. 37) and Polynoidae (fig. 41); it may be fused to a greater or less extent with the peristomium. The prostomium may bear 2, 3 or 4 tentacles (antennae) dorsally or at the anterior end, one or more pairs of eyes and, laterally or ventrally, a pair of palps which may be simple and elongated or short and articulated. The peristomium which usually lacks parapodia, has the mouth opening ventrally and may bear laterally several pairs of tentacular cirri (figs. 37, 41, 44 and 45). The mouth opens into a protrusible pharynx, the proboscis (fig. 49) which may bear numerous papillae (figs. 44 and 49) or chitinous denticles, the paragnaths (fig. 37). It may be armed with a single large tooth (fig. 45) or one or more pairs of chitinous jaws which are sometimes very complicated (fig. 47).

The Parapodia

The parapodia and the setae they bear are the principal characters used in classification. One or more of the anterior body segments may lack parapodia. A typical parapodium consists of a dorsal ramus or notopodium and a ventral ramus or neuropodium. This typical structure is best seen in the family Nereidae (fig. 59); the notopodium bears a tentacle-like dorsal cirrus and has two conical lobes (ligules), between which there is a bundle of setae (notosetea) fixed in a setal sac stiffened by a stout bristle (aciculum); the neuropodium has a ventral cirrus, a single ligule and a well developed setal lobe with neurosetae and an aciculum. When both notopodium and neuropodium are present the parapodium is said to be biramous (fig. 59); if one part is absent it is called uniramous (figs. 62 and 63). If the notopodium is reduced and is represented only by the dorsal cirrus and a few setae, with or without an aciculum, the parapodium is referred to as being sesquiramous (fig. 64).

Gills when present are usually borne on the dorsal face of the parapodium. They may be simple (fig. 69) or ramified (fig. 68). The pgyidium or anal segment lacks parapodia and bears a pair of anal cirri (fig. 37).

The Sedentary Polychaetes are predominantly tube inhabiting forms. This is, however, not diagnostic as some Errant Polychaetes, particularly page 66 some Eunicids and Nereids build a mucous tube. Such tubes are membranous and often have a covering of sand grains, pieces of shell etc. In many of the Sedentary Polychaetes, e.g. Arenicola, Terebellids and Aricids the tube is simply a burrow in the sand or mud. Others have membranous tubes, with or without adhering sand grains, shell fragments, small pebbles, etc. (Sabellids, Terebellids, Owenia); or sand grains (Sabellariidae, Amphictenidae) or mud (Terebellids, Sabellids) may be bound together to form the tube. The family Serpulidae have a characteristic calcareous tube. The tubes may be free (Amphictenidae) or, more often, fixed to the substratum.

Correlated with the sedentary mode of life there is a modification of bodily structure. The head is small and often lacks eyes and tentacles (figs. 55 and 56). In some the anterior end is highly modified for tube building purposes, the first segment often bearing a collar (fig. 40).

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Plate I Figs. 1-18: Simple setae. Figs. 19-26: Compound Setae. Figs. 27-36: Uncini and hooks. Fig. 1: Acicular seta. Fig. 2: Spined capillary of Clymene (Maldanidae). Fig. 3: Neuroseta of Lepidonotus (Polynoidae). Fig. 4: Barbed notoseta of Laetmonice (Aphroditidae). Fig. 5: Notoseta of Scalisetosus (Polynoidae). Fig. 6: Capillary notoseta of Aphrodite (Aphroditidae). Fig. 7: Winged capillary (limbate) seta of Arabella (Eunicidae). Fig. 8: Winged capillary (bilimbate) seta of Amphitrite (Terebellidae). Fig. 9: Special seta (Apomatus seta) of Apomatus (Serpulidae). Fig. 10: Bayonet shaped seta of Serpula (Serpulidae). Fig. 11: Abdominal trumpet shaped seta of Pomatoceros (Serpulidae). Fig. 12: Geniculate abdominal notoseta of Vermiliopsis (Serpulidae). Figs. 13 and 14: Paleae of Sabellaria (Sabellariidae). Fig. 15: Spatulate notoseta of Potomilla (Sabellidae). Fig. 16: Pectinate seta of Eunice (Eunicidae). Fig. 17: Special thoracic notoseta of Sosane (Ampharetidae). Fig. 18: Simple hooded hook of Eunice (Eunicidae). Fig. 19: Compound hooded hook of Lysidice (Eunicidae). Fig. 20: Compound seta of Syllis (Syllidae). Fig. 21: Homogomph spiniger (Nereidae). Figs. 22 and 23: Heterogomph falcigers (Nereidae). Fig. 24: Homogomph falciger (Nereidae). Fig. 25: Swimming seta of heteronereis (Nereidae). Fig. 26: Heterogomph spiniger (Nereidae). Fig. 27: Neuropodial hook of Arenicola (Arenicolidae). Fig. 28: Acicular hook of Amaea (Terebellidae). Fig. 29: Elongated hook (uncinus) of Oridia (Sabellidae). Fig. 30: Avicular uncinus with its accompanying pick-axe seta of Potamilla (Sabellidae). Fig. 31: Uncinus of Serpula (Serpulidae). Fig. 32: Uncinus of Amphicteis (Ampharetidae). Figs. 33 and 34: Lateral and end views of an uncinus of Thelepus (Terebellidae). Fig. 35: Lateral and end views of an uncinus of Amphitrite (Terebellidae). Fig. 36: Uncinus of Clymene (Maldanidae).

Plate I
Figs. 1-18: Simple setae. Figs. 19-26: Compound Setae. Figs. 27-36: Uncini and hooks. Fig. 1: Acicular seta. Fig. 2: Spined capillary of Clymene (Maldanidae). Fig. 3: Neuroseta of Lepidonotus (Polynoidae). Fig. 4: Barbed notoseta of Laetmonice (Aphroditidae). Fig. 5: Notoseta of Scalisetosus (Polynoidae). Fig. 6: Capillary notoseta of Aphrodite (Aphroditidae). Fig. 7: Winged capillary (limbate) seta of Arabella (Eunicidae). Fig. 8: Winged capillary (bilimbate) seta of Amphitrite (Terebellidae). Fig. 9: Special seta (Apomatus seta) of Apomatus (Serpulidae). Fig. 10: Bayonet shaped seta of Serpula (Serpulidae). Fig. 11: Abdominal trumpet shaped seta of Pomatoceros (Serpulidae). Fig. 12: Geniculate abdominal notoseta of Vermiliopsis (Serpulidae). Figs. 13 and 14: Paleae of Sabellaria (Sabellariidae). Fig. 15: Spatulate notoseta of Potomilla (Sabellidae). Fig. 16: Pectinate seta of Eunice (Eunicidae). Fig. 17: Special thoracic notoseta of Sosane (Ampharetidae). Fig. 18: Simple hooded hook of Eunice (Eunicidae). Fig. 19: Compound hooded hook of Lysidice (Eunicidae). Fig. 20: Compound seta of Syllis (Syllidae). Fig. 21: Homogomph spiniger (Nereidae). Figs. 22 and 23: Heterogomph falcigers (Nereidae). Fig. 24: Homogomph falciger (Nereidae). Fig. 25: Swimming seta of heteronereis (Nereidae). Fig. 26: Heterogomph spiniger (Nereidae). Fig. 27: Neuropodial hook of Arenicola (Arenicolidae). Fig. 28: Acicular hook of Amaea (Terebellidae). Fig. 29: Elongated hook (uncinus) of Oridia (Sabellidae). Fig. 30: Avicular uncinus with its accompanying pick-axe seta of Potamilla (Sabellidae). Fig. 31: Uncinus of Serpula (Serpulidae). Fig. 32: Uncinus of Amphicteis (Ampharetidae). Figs. 33 and 34: Lateral and end views of an uncinus of Thelepus (Terebellidae). Fig. 35: Lateral and end views of an uncinus of Amphitrite (Terebellidae). Fig. 36: Uncinus of Clymene (Maldanidae).

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A protrusible pharynx is usually lacking and jaws are absent, the majority being suspension or detritus feeders. Gills, when present, are usually confined to the anterior end of the body; in some (Serpulids and Sabellids) they are situated on the head forming a branchial crown of pinnate filaments (fig. 40). In many the body is divided into three regions, head, thorax and abdomen (figs. 40 and 55), the last two differing in shape, number of segments and structure of the parapodia. The parapodia are modified for a tube-dwelling mode of life and tend to be reduced with the disappearance of the lobes and cirri (figs. 55 and 68). The two rami may be separated, the neuropodium often having the forms of a ridge or torus (fig. 68) bearing small hooks or uncini for holding on to the sides of the tube.

The Setae

The form and arrangement of the chitinous setae are of great importance for classification purposes. On the basis of structure they are divided into setae and uncini; the latter are also called ventral hooks or crochets. The setae may be simple, having a single shaft (figs. 1-17); or compound, having a movable end-piece jointed to the shaft (figs. 19-26). The long, slender, simple setae are called capillaries (figs. 2-10). They may be thread-like and smooth as in Aphrodite (fig. 6) or ornamented with fine spines as in the Maldanids (fig. 2). Some are more or less bent with a flattened border on one or both sides; these are called winged setae (figs. 7-9); the border may be broken up into spines or filaments (fig. 9). Others are provided with transverse rows of spines, denticles or large projecting teeth (figs. 3, 5 and 10) or may be pectinate (fig. 16) or geniculate (fig. 12). Short, robust or flattened, paddle-shaped setae are called paleae (figs. 13 and 14).

The compound setae have a basal portion or shaft with a terminal- or end-piece articulated to it. When the two lateral branches of the articulation of the shaft are of the same length the seta is called homogomph (figs. 21 and 24); when one branch is longer than the other it is heterogomph (figs. 22, 23 and 26). If the end-piece is long and pointed the seta is referred to as spinigerous and termed a spiniger (figs. 21 and 26); if the end piece is short and hooked the seta is referred to as falcigerous and termed falciger (figs. 22 and 23).

The uncini are found on the ventral ramus (torus) of the parapodium in the Sedentaria. They may be arranged in a single row or in a double row in which they may be opposite or alternate. They usually have the form of a flattened, toothed plate, the rostrum, borne at the end of a manubrium or shaft of variable length (figs. 30-35). In the Sabellids the uncini have an elongated shaft and a beaked rostrum surmounted by a number of denticles; such uncini are called avicular (fig. 30). In some Sabellids the uncini are accompanied by a row of special pick-axe setae (fig. 30). The uncini of Terebellids and Ampharetids are much shorter with denticles in transverse rows above the main tooth (figs. 32-35).

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Sometimes the acicula may project from the parapodia and are then called acicular setae (fig. 1). In the Eunicids these take the form of hooded hooks (fig. 18). Setae other than acicular setae may have the same form, e.g. Lumbrinereis. These hooded hooks may be uni-, bi or tri-dentate, ending in a simple point or with 2 or 3 teeth. In some species compound hooks may be present (fig. 19).

Literature

The literature on New Zealand Polychaetes is very scattered and often the original descriptions of the species are not available in local libraries. Some of the more important papers and monographs are mentioned below. A key to the Families of Polychaetes found in the New Zealand region follows. Keys to the genera in these families are then given with the families arranged alphabetically. A number of the figures are after Fauvel (Faune de France, Polychetes); figs. 48 and 55 are after Hartman, and fig. 67 is after E. and C. Berkeley.

Key to the Families

1 Head usually well developed. All segments of the body alike except those near the mouth and the terminal segment or pygidium. Pharynx protrusible and often armed with jaws (Errant Polychaetes) — 2
Body often divided into distinct regions. Head small, either not markedly developed or profoundly modified. Parapodia almost always simple, the neuropodia often being in the form of transverse rows or pinnules (tori) bearing hooks or uncini. No jaws and a protrusible pharynx usually lacking. Usually tubicolous. (Sedentary Polychaetes) — 15
2 Body with scale-like plates or ‘elytra’ more or less covering the dorsal surface (fig. 41) — 3
No elytra — 5
3 Elytra on segments 2, 4, 5 and thereafter elytrigerous segments alternating regularly with cirrigerous ones anteriorly; posteriorly 2 cirrigerous segments between successive elytrigerous ones. No compound setae — 4
Elytra on segments 2, 4, 5 and thereafter elytrigerous segments alternating regularly with cirrigerous ones anteriorly; posteriorly all segments elytrigerous, these at the same time bearing cirri or cirriform gills. Compound setae present Sigalionidae
4 Eyes stalked, rarely sessile. A median tentacle only. Facial tubercle conspicuous Aphroditidae
Eyes sessile. Three tentacles. Facial tubercle absent or rudimentary (fig. 41) Polynoidae
5 A fan-shaped group of flattened setae (paleae) on all segments (fig. 67) Chrysopetalidae
Dorsal paleae absent — 6
6 Prostomium fused with the two succeeding segments, the whole bearing page 70
2 or 4 tentacular cirri containing acicula; the other segments with biramous and achaetous parapodia. Pelagic. Tomopteridae
Prostomium fused with the peristomium; without tentacular cirri. Parapodia uniramous. Cirri globular Pisionidae
Prostomium not fused with the succeeding segments, but indistinct. No jaws. Parapodia uniramous. Body papillated and bearing transverse rows of globular capsules Sphaerodoridae
Prostomium not fused with the succeeding segments, and distinct — 7
7 Prostomium small with 1-5 tentacles. A caruncle. Setae simple, bifurcate; gills well developed; filiform cirri. No jaws Amphinomidae
Prostomium conical; tentacles absent. Acicular setae; foliaceous cirri.
Pelagic Typhloscolecidae
Prostomium well developed with tentacles and often palps — 8
8 Prostomium long conical, annulated. Four short terminal tentacles (fig. 48) — 9
Prostomium not thus, with or without tentacles or palps or both — 10
9 Anterior parapodia uniramous, posterior biramous. Jaws and paragnaths on the proboscis (fig. 48) Goniadidae
All parapodia uniramous or biramous. Four similar jaws at the end of the proboscis Glyceridae
10 Evertible part of the proboscis without chitinous teeth — 11
Evertible part of the proboscis with chitinous teeth or jaws or both — 14
11 Parapodia usually uniramous, cirri usually flattened and foliaceous — 12
Parapodia sesquiramous or biramous — 13
12 A pair of enormous globular eyes at the sides of the prostomium, 5 small tentacles. Pelagic Alciopidae
Eyes small, normal; 4 or 5 tentacles; 2-8 tentacular cirri. Proboscis unarmed (fig. 44) Phyllodocidae
13 Parapodia biramous; sickle-shaped gills between the rami (figs. 65 and 66). Prostomium more or less rectangular with 4 small tentacles (fig. 49) Nephtyidae
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Plate II Fig. 37: Anterior and posterior ends of a Nereid (Perinereis) with the proboscis everted. Figs. 38 and 39: Dorsal and ventral views of a Nereid proboscis. The Roman numerals indicate the positions of the proboscidial areas (groups of paragnaths). Fig. 40: Anterior end of a Serpulid (Pomatoceros). Fig. 41: Anterior end of a Polynoid (Lepidonotus). The left anterior elytron has been removed and on the right the parapodia are seen through the elytra. Fig. 42: Prostomium of Harmothoe (Polynoidae). Fig. 43: Anterior end of a Terebellid (Amphitrite). Fig. 44: Anterior end of Phyllodocid (Phyllodoce) with the proboscis everted. Fig. 45: Anterior end of a Syllid (Siyllis). The anterior end of the pharynx can be seen through the body wall. Fig. 46: Anterior end of a Eunicid (Eunice). Fig. 47: Lower jaws of a Eunicid (Eunice).

Plate II
Fig. 37: Anterior and posterior ends of a Nereid (Perinereis) with the proboscis everted. Figs. 38 and 39: Dorsal and ventral views of a Nereid proboscis. The Roman numerals indicate the positions of the proboscidial areas (groups of paragnaths). Fig. 40: Anterior end of a Serpulid (Pomatoceros). Fig. 41: Anterior end of a Polynoid (Lepidonotus). The left anterior elytron has been removed and on the right the parapodia are seen through the elytra. Fig. 42: Prostomium of Harmothoe (Polynoidae). Fig. 43: Anterior end of a Terebellid (Amphitrite). Fig. 44: Anterior end of Phyllodocid (Phyllodoce) with the proboscis everted. Fig. 45: Anterior end of a Syllid (Siyllis). The anterior end of the pharynx can be seen through the body wall. Fig. 46: Anterior end of a Eunicid (Eunice). Fig. 47: Lower jaws of a Eunicid (Eunice).

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Parapodia sesquiramous or biramous; no gills. Dorsal cirri, long moniliform (fig. 64) Hesionidae
14 Proboscis with a terminal pair of heavy, curved, toothed jaws and usually with paragnaths on both dorsal and ventral surfaces. Parapodia biramous (except Namonereis); palps biarticulate (figs. 37 and 59) Nereidae
Proboscis with a complex system of jaws consisting of 2 smooth lower pieces (labrum) and 2 or more series of toothed upper plates (fig. 47) Eunicidae
Proboscis with simple armature consisting of a tooth (fig. 45) or crown of teeth or both. Palps simple; parapodia generally uniramous (fig. 45) Syllidae
15 Body divided into distinct regions — 21
Body not divided into distinct regions — 16
16 Body short, stout, segments few. Filiform anal gills and a large ventral shield Sternaspidae
Segments numerous. Without anal gills and ventral shield — 17
17 Prostomium conical without appendages (fig. 56). Stout tentacular palps or tentacular cirri on the dorsal side of an anterior segment. Gills, dorsal, simple, filiform (fig. 56) Cirratulidae
Prostomium with a pair of tentacular palps — 18
No tentacular palps — 20
18 Two palps and two groups of gills retractile into a buccal funnel. Setae of the first parapodia prolonged forward to form a cephalic cage. Body thickly papillated Flabelligeridae
Two long grooved palps not retractile into the mouth. No cephalic cage 19
19 Palps with suckerlike papillae. No gills. Prostomium spoon-shaped Magelonidae
Palps without suckers (fig. 52). Dorsal gills cirriform. Hooded hooks present Spionidae
20 Prostomium with or without two short tentacles. Parapodia more or less conspicuous. Capillary and forked setae. No hooks Scalibregmidae
Prostomium blunt without appendages or with a crown of lobes which are irregularly cut. Notosetae capillary; neurosetae numerous minute uncini arranged in transverse rows. Tube sandy Oweniidae
Prostomium with a keeled or bordered cephalic plate (fig. 57). An anal plate or an anal funnel with cirri (fig. 58). No gills. Notosetae capillary; neurosetae sigmoid hooks (fig. 36) Maldanidae
21 A terminal gill tuft of numerous filaments bearing secondary processes (figs. 40 and 70). Prostomium indistinct. Uncini ventral in the thoraric region, dorsal in the abdominal. Tube membranous or calcareous — 30
Without a terminal gill tuft — 22
22 Large flattened setae (paleae) forming an operculum closing the tube (figs. 53 and 54) — 29
Without opercular paleae — 23page 73
23 Prostomium conical or blunt, without processes. Gills if present on many segments — 26
Prostomium more or less distinct. One pair of tentacle-like palps or numerous tentacular filaments. Gills if present confined to the first few segments — 24
24 Prostomium with or without two small tentacles. Two long grooved palps. Two or three markedly dissimilar regions of the body; the anterior short with uniramous parapodia bearing special setae in the fourth segment; posterior parapodia biramous with erect notopodia. Uncini pectinate Chaetopteridae
Without tentacles or palps. A cephalic veil and numerous tentacular filaments. Neurosetae are pectinate uncini — 25
25 Tentacular filaments retractile into the mouth. Prostomium distinct. Three or four pairs of simple gills on the first segments. Sometimes conspicuous paleae on the third segment (fig. 51) Ampharetidae
Tentacular filaments not retractile into the mouth. Prostomium indistinct. Gills arborescent or rarely subulate, inserted on the first to third segments (fig. 43); sometimes absent Terebellidae
26 Parapodia without uncini — 27
Parapodia with uncini — 28
27 Capillary setae only. Body usually of a few annulated segments. Parapodia without lobes. Gills lateral, ligulate. Prostomium pointed, conical Opheliidae
Serrated capillary setae and acicular hooks. Body elongated, of many short segments. Parapodia distinct, gills dorsal, erect (fig. 69) Acriidae
28 Prostomium blunt. Anterior region without gills; middle with dorsal, arborescent, non-retractile gills (fig. 68); posterior region without gills and setae Arenicolidae
Prostomium conical (fig. 55). Anterior region without gills; remainder with or without simple gills; or the gills may be branched and retractile into lateral pouches. Parapodia biramous. In the abdominal region setae usually only simple hooded hooks Capitellidae
29 An operculum with an anterior row of large golden paleae (fig. 53). Caudal region small and foliaceous with hooks at the base. Two pairs of anterior gills. Tube of sand, conical, free, open at both ends Amphictenidae
Two large opercular stalks bearing a crown of paleae. A narrow caudal region without setae and gills. Gills dorsal and numerous (fig. 54). Fixed sandy tubes, often in masses Sabellariidae
30 Usually an operculum. Thocacic membrane present (fig. 40). Tube calcareous Serpulidae
Without an operculum and thoracic membrance. Tube membranous or mucous, with or without sand grains; often with mud Sabellidae
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Key to New Zealand Genera

Family Alciopidae
1 Long simple or compound swimming setae only — 2
Both long compound swimming setae and short acicular setae Callizona
2 Long simple swimming setae only Alciopa
Long compound swimming setae only — 3
3 Parapodia with 2 cirriform terminal appendages Greefia
Parapodia with 1 cirriform terminal appendage Vanadis
Parapodia with no cirriform terminal appendage Torrea
Family Ampharetidae
1 Paleae present (fig. 51) — 2
Paleae absent, a large curved hook on each side behind the gill Melinna
2 Tentacles smooth — 3
Tentacles pinnate, 14 thoracic segments Ampharete
3 Special setae (fig. 17) on one of the thoracic segments, no anal cirri Sosane
No special setae (fig. 51), 2 anal cirri Amphicteis
Family Amphictenidae
1 Lateral portion of the antennular membrane fused with the paleal segment Lagis
Lateral portion of antennular membrane free from the paleal segment (fig. 53) Pectinaria
Family Amphinomidae
1 Notosetae in transverse rows across the back — 2
Notosetae lateral; gills pinnate, recurving over the back Chloeia
2 Gills set in transverse rows of tufts Euphrosyne
lateral gills, pectinate with 5 or 6 short, heavy, conical, spreading filaments Palmyreuphrosyne
Family Aphroditidae
1 Eyes on stalks or peduncles. Dorsal felting sometimes loose and inconspicuous. Notosetae sometimes arrow-shaped with several barbs (fig. 4) Laetmonice
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Plate III Fig. 48: Anterior end of Goniada (Goniadidae) with proboscis everted. Fig. 49: Anterior end of Nephtys (Nephtyidae) with proboscis everted. Fig. 50: Anterior end of Lumbrinereis (Eunicidae) with proboscis everted. Fig. 51: Anterior end of Amphicteis (Ampharetidae). Fig. 52: Anterior end of a Spionid (Scolelepis). Fig. 53: Anterior end of Pectinaria (Amphictenidae). Fig. 54: Anterior end of Sabellaria (Sabellariidae). Fig. 55: Anterior end and 2 abdominal segments of Notomastus (Capitellidae). Fig. 56: Anterior end of a Cirratulid (Audouinia). On the left the gills have been removed and on the right the tentacular cirri have been cut off. Fig. 57: Anterior end of Clymene (Euclymene) (Maldanidae). Fig. 58: Posterior end of Clymene (Praxillella) (Maldanidae)

Plate III
Fig. 48: Anterior end of Goniada (Goniadidae) with proboscis everted. Fig. 49: Anterior end of Nephtys (Nephtyidae) with proboscis everted. Fig. 50: Anterior end of Lumbrinereis (Eunicidae) with proboscis everted. Fig. 51: Anterior end of Amphicteis (Ampharetidae). Fig. 52: Anterior end of a Spionid (Scolelepis). Fig. 53: Anterior end of Pectinaria (Amphictenidae). Fig. 54: Anterior end of Sabellaria (Sabellariidae). Fig. 55: Anterior end and 2 abdominal segments of Notomastus (Capitellidae). Fig. 56: Anterior end of a Cirratulid (Audouinia). On the left the gills have been removed and on the right the tentacular cirri have been cut off. Fig. 57: Anterior end of Clymene (Euclymene) (Maldanidae). Fig. 58: Posterior end of Clymene (Praxillella) (Maldanidae)

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Eyes sessile. Dorsal felting very dense. Neurosetae long and silky (fig. 6). Some very long, heavy, brown setae protrude through the dorsal felt Aphrodite
Family Arenicolidae
One genus Arenicola
Family Ariciidae
1 Ventral thoracic rami with vertical rows of foot papillae (fig. 69) Aricia
Ventral thoracic rami without foot papillae or with only 1-3 Scoloplos
Family Capitellidae
1 12 thoracic segments; gills usually present (fig. 55) Notomastus
9 thoracic segments; gills absent Capitella
Family Chrysopetalidae
1 1 pair of tentacular cirri. Notopodia with two kinds of paleae (fig. 67) Paleanotus
4 pairs of tentacular cirri. Notopodia with one kind of paleae Chrysopetalum
Family Chaetopteridae
1 1 genus, Phyllochaetopterus. Tube horny, cylindrical, ringed. Body slender, 2 long tentacles (palps).
Family Cirratulidae
1 1 pair of large, stout tentacular palps. Tentacular cirri absent. In the posterior region the acicular hooks arranged in transverse rows encircling the body Chaetozone
Tentacular cirri numerous (fig. 56). Stout tentacular palps absent — 2
2 Tentacular cirri beginning on the same segment as the gills Cirratulus
A few segments with lateral gills in front of the tentacle bearing segment (fig. 56) Audouinia
Family Eunicidae
1 Prostomium without (visible) tentacles or palps (fig. 50). No ventral cirri. Dorsal cirri rudimentary or absent — 2
Prostomium with tentacles — 3
2 With capillary setae and simple or compound hooded hooks (fig. 18) Sub-family Lumbrinereinae — 5
With winged capillary setae only (fig. 7). Sub-family Arabellidinae — 6
3 2 tentacles and 2 cylindrical palps. Upper jaws composed of from 2 to 4 longitudinal series of very small and numerous pieces Sub-family Dorvilleidinae — 7
From 1 to 7 tentacles. Palps short, globular. Upper jaws consisting of 4 or 5 pairs of pieces (fig. 47) — 4
4 7 tentacles, 5 prostomial mounted on ringed ceratophores and 2 ovate frontals Sub-family Onuphidinae — 8
From 1 to 5 prostomial tentacles, ovate frontals absent (fig. 46) Sub-family Eunicinea — 11
5 With palmately branched gills on some segments Ninoe
Without palmately branched gills (fig. 50) Lumbrinereispage 77
6 Parapodia provided with heavy projecting acicula Notocirrus
Parapodia without projecting acicula Arabella
7 Prostomium with conspicuous palps and tentacles, the latter often distinctly moniliform. Dorsal and ventral cirri well developed Dorvillea
Prostomium with greatly reduced palps and tentacles appearing papillate. Cirri very short. Prostomium and segments with rows of cilia Ophryotrocha
8 Peristomium with tentacular cirri (fig. 46) — 9
Peristomium without tentacular cirri Hyalinoecia
9 Gill filaments inserted spirally Diopatra
Gills absent, cirriform, simply branched or pectinate — 10
10 First 3 parapodia greatly enlarged, prolonged forward and provided with numerous, slender, recurved hooks capable of being projected far forward Rhamphobrachium
First few parapodia little modified, bearing simple or compound hooked setae Onuphis
11 Adult with 5 prostomial tentacles (fig. 46) — 12
Adult with 3 prostomial tentacles, no gills Lysidice
12 Peristomium with a pair of cirri dorsally — 13
Peristomium without cirri — 14
13 Gill present through a considerable region Eunice
Gills absent or nearly so Nicidion
14 With gills Marphysa
Without gills Paramarphysa
Family Flabelligeridae (Chlorhaemidae)
1 Body enveloped in a sheath of mucsu. Neurosetae compound hooks Flabelligera
Mucous sheath absent. Neurosetae simple hooks Stylaroides
Family Glyceridae
1 Parapodia biramous Glycera
Parapodia uniramous Hemipodus
Family Goniadidae
1 Proboscis with organs of many kinds. No chevrons. Notosetae simple, hooked at the tip Glycinde
Proboscis with organs of one or few kinds. Notosetae spinigerous — 2
2 Proboscis with chevrons (fig. 48) Goniada
Proboscis without chevrons Ophioglycera
Family Hesionidae
One genus Podarke characterised by having 3 tentacles
Family Maldanidae
1 Head with a cephalic plate (fig. 57) — 2
Head without a cephalic plate — 7
2 Anal segment bearing a ciliated funnel with cirri on the margin; the anus lies in the centre (fig. 58) — 3
Anal segment forming a smooth plate without cirri Asychispage 78
3 Ventral uncini replaced by acicular setae in a number of the anterior segments — 4
Ventral acicular setae absent in the first segments — 6
4 A membranous collar on the 4th setiger Macroclymenella
Without a collar on the 4th setiger — 5
5 Anal cone sunk in the bottom of the funnel Clymene (Euclymene)
Anal cone protruding. Ventral cirrus longer than the others (fig. 58) Clymene (Praxillella)
6 Uncini or ventral hooks on all the setigers Axiothella
Uncini begin on the 2nd setiger Maldanella
7 Segments with a collar. Uncini in two rows Rhodine
Segments without a collar. Uncini in one row Nicomache
Family Nereidae
1 Peristomium produced so as to project forward collar-like under the prostomium. Commensal with hermit crabs Cheilonereis
Prostomium not so produced — 2
2 Paragnaths absent; notopodia without facigerous setae — 3
Paragnaths present (fig. 37); notopodia with or without falcigerous setae 4
3 Parapodia reduced, rounded and simple. Neurosetae heterogomph facigers (fig. 22) Namonereis
Parapodia not reduced, with well developed pointed ligules. Neurosetae homogomph and heterogomph spinigers (figs. 21 and 26) and heterogomph falcigers Nicon
4 Paragnaths conical except those on area VI (for areas see fig. 38) which are transverse notopodia without falcigerous setate (fig. 37) Perinereis
Paragnaths on the maxillary ring pectinate; proboscidial areas (figs. 38 and 39). I, II, and V lack paragnaths. Posterior notopodia with composite, stout falcigerous setae Platynereis
Paragnaths on both rings conical — 5
5 Posterior notopodia with homogomph falcigerous setae; notopodial pre-acicular lobes not elongate Nereis
Posterior notopodia without falcigerous setae; some notopodial preacicular lobes elongate, especially in the posterior region Neanthes
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Plate IV Figs. 59-69: Parapodia. Fig. 59: Nereid, biramous. Fig. 60: Polynoid, elytrigerous. Fig. 61: Polynoid, cirrigerous. Fig. 62: Phyllodoce (Phyllodocidae), uniramous. Fig. 63: Eunice (Eunicidae). Fig. 64: Dorvillea (Eunicidae), sesquiramous. Fig. 65: Aglaophamus (Nephtyidae), interramal cirrus involute. Fig. 66: Nephtys (Neptyidae), interrammal cirrus recurved. Fig. 67: Paleanotus (Chrysopetalidae). Fig. 68: Arenicola (Arenicolidae). Fig. 69: Aricia (Ariciidae). Fig. 70: Tip of gill filament of Branchiomma (Sabellidae). Fig. 71: Operculum of Pomatoceros (Serpulidae). Fig. 72: Operculum of Hydroides (Serpulidae). Fig. 73: Operculum of Filograna (Serpulidae).

Plate IV
Figs. 59-69: Parapodia. Fig. 59: Nereid, biramous. Fig. 60: Polynoid, elytrigerous. Fig. 61: Polynoid, cirrigerous. Fig. 62: Phyllodoce (Phyllodocidae), uniramous. Fig. 63: Eunice (Eunicidae). Fig. 64: Dorvillea (Eunicidae), sesquiramous. Fig. 65: Aglaophamus (Nephtyidae), interramal cirrus involute. Fig. 66: Nephtys (Neptyidae), interrammal cirrus recurved. Fig. 67: Paleanotus (Chrysopetalidae). Fig. 68: Arenicola (Arenicolidae). Fig. 69: Aricia (Ariciidae). Fig. 70: Tip of gill filament of Branchiomma (Sabellidae). Fig. 71: Operculum of Pomatoceros (Serpulidae). Fig. 72: Operculum of Hydroides (Serpulidae). Fig. 73: Operculum of Filograna (Serpulidae).

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Family Nephtyidae
1 Interramal cirri (gill) recurved (fig. 66) Nephtys
Interramal cirri involute (fig. 65) Aglaophamus
Family Oweniidae
One genus Owenia. Prostomium bears a crown of irregularly cut lobes.
Family Opheliidae
1 Ventral groove absent Travisia
Ventral groove conspicuous Armandia
Family Paronidae
One genus Paronis. No dorsal tentacle on the prostomium.
Family Phyllodocidae
1 Parapodia biramous Paralacydonia
Parapodia uniramous — 2
2 3 pairs of tentacular cirri Mystides
4 pairs of tentacular cirri (fig. 44) — 3
2 pairs of tentacular cirri Eteone
3 With a median tentacle — 4
Without a median tentacle (fig. 44) Phyllodoce
4 Tentacular cirri cirriform Eualia
Tentacular cirrus of segment 2 foliaceous, assymetrical; other tentacular cirri cirriform Steggoa
Family Pisionidae
One genus Pisione
Family Polynoidae
1 Lateral tentacles inserted sub-terminally continuous with the prostomial peaks (fig. 41) — 2
Lateral tentacles inserted ventrally, the prostomium terminating anteriorly in a pair of tapering peaks (fig. 42). 15 pairs of elytra — 5
2 12 pairs of elytra — 3
Elytra numerous. Body long, vermiform — 4
3 Body large (up to 120 mm.), broadly oval. Large dorsal tubercles on the upper surface of the cirrigerous segments. Neurosetae with transverse rows of very fine hairs Euphione
Body short, broad not tapered. Neurosetae with a swollen sub-terminal region, coarse pectinae and a long bare hooked tip (fig. 3) Lepidonotus
4 Between 70 and 100 segments. Up to 56 pairs of elytra which cover the dorsal surface Lepidastheniella
Up to 200 segments. Small elytra leaving the greater part of the dorsal surface uncovered Lepidasthenia
5 Elytra covering the whole of the body — 6
Elytra leaving the posterior segments of the body uncovered — 7
6 Setae transparent as crystal. Neurosetae hooked, bidentate, with semilunar cusps (fig. 5) Scalisetosus
Neurosetae without semi-lunar cusps Harmothoepage 81
7 Neurosetae unidentate with a long, smooth, tapering tip Nemidia
Neurosetae bidentate Polynoe
Family Sabellariidae
1 Opercular paleae in 2 visible rows; with nuchal hooks Idanthyrsus
Opercular paleae in 3 visible rows; no nuchal hooks (fig. 54) Sabellaria
Family Sabellidae
1 Thoracic tori with avicular uncini (fig. 30) — 2
Thoracic tori with elongated hooks (fig. 29) — 5
2 Thoracic tori with a row of uncini and a row of pick-axe setae (fig. 30) 3
Thoracic tori without pick-axe setae Dasychone
3 Gill filaments with sub-terminal eyes (fig. 71). Winged setae only in the thoracic notopodia Branchiomma
Gill filaments without sub-terminal eyes — 4
4 Winged setae only in the thoracic notopodia Sabella
Both winged setae and spatulate setae (fig. 15) in the thoracic notopodia Potamilla
5 Gill filaments free — 6
Gill filaments united by a membrane for a part of their length Euchone
6 With a collar on the first segment Oridia
Without a collar on the first segment Fabricia
Family Scalibregmidae
1 Prostomium T-shaped with frontal horns Scalibregma
Prostomium bilobed without frontal horns Eumenia
Family Serpulidae
1 Body symmetrical — 2
Body assymetrical. Spirally coiled tube Spirorbis
2 Opercular stalk smooth or winged (fig. 71) — 3
No operculum or one or two opercula with barbules on the stalk — 7
3 Collar setae bayonet shaped with 2 conical processes at the base (fig. 10) 4
Collar setae without basal conical processes — 5
4 Operculum simple, funnel shaped Serpula
Operculum compound with a central crown of spines (fig. 72) Hydroides
5 Abdominal setae geniculate (fig. 12) Vermiliopsis
Abdominal setae trumpet shaped (fig. 11). Opercular stalk winged — 6
6 Collar setae very small and fine. Operculum conical or bearing simple processes (figs. 40 and 71) Pomatoceros
Collar setae bayonet shaped and covered with fine hairlike processes.
Operculum with a calcareous plate with branch spines Spirobranclus
Collar setae winged with a fringed border. Operculum concave with concentric rows of spines; the outer row short, blunt, closely packed; the others longer, pointed Galeolaria
7 Tubes very slender, thread-like, colonial. Collar setae serrated. Operculum spoon-like at the end of a gill filament (fig. 73) Filograna
Tubes large, not colonial. Collar setae winged — 8
8 Operculum globular Apomatuspage 82
No operculum Protula
Family Sigalionidae
1 No median tentacle Sigalion
With a median tentacle — 2
2 With a dorsal cirrus on the third setiger. Elytra deeply coated with sand Psammocyle
Without a dorsal cirrus on the third setiger — 3
3 Neurosetae compound falcigers with bidentate end pieces Sthenelais
Some neurosetae compound spinigers, long, pointed, the end pieces transversely caniculated Leanira
Family Spionidae
1 Fifth segment modified Polydora
Fifth segment not modified — 2
2 Prostomium with frontal peaks (fig. 52) Scolelepis
Prostomium without frontal peaks — 3
3 Gills present on the first setiger, and continued throughout the length; pygidium with cirri Spio
Gills present after the first setiger — 4
4 Gills on almost all segments. An anal cup Pseudonerine
Gills only on a few anterior segments. Anal cirri present Prionospio
Family Sternaspidae
One genus Sternaspus
Family Syllidae
1 Without ventral cirri (S.F. Autolytinae) Autolytus
With ventral cirri — 2
2 Dorsal cirri distinctly moniliform (fig. 45) (S.F. Syllinae) — 4
Dorsal cirri smooth or indistinctly articulated — 3
3 Palps joined at the base only (S.F. Eusyllinae) — 6
Palps united for their complete length (S.F. Exogoninae) — 9
4 Pharynx armed with a chitinous and coarsely denticulate crown (trepan) Trypanosyllis
Pharynx armed with a large anterior tooth (fig. 45) — 5
Pharynx armed with a large posterior tooth Opisthosyllis
5 Simple setae only on all segments Syllis (Haplosyllis)
Setae of the anterior segments all compound; some large simple setae in the middle segments Syllis
Compound setae on all segments Syllis (Typosyllis)
6 Pharynx without teeth. Tentacles and cirri smooth, club shaped Syllides
Pharynx armed with a semi-circle of large teeth. Prcstomium partly covered by an occipital flap Odontosyllis
Pharynx armed with a large tooth. No occipital flap — 7
7 Proboscis sinuous. Conspicuous nuchal processes present Amblyosyllis
Proboscis straight. No conspicuous nuchal processes — 8
8 Termination of pharynx smooth Pionosyllispage 83
Termination of pharynx denticulate Eusyllis
9 Prostomium and peristomium fused. Tentacular cirri rudimentary Exogon
Prostomium and peristomium distinct. Tentacular cirri well developed Sphaerosyllis
Family Terebellidae
1 Thoracic and abdominal uncini of 2 distinct types. A single quadrapite, pectinate gill Terebellides
Thoracic and abdominal uncini of one type — 2
2 Uncini in 2 rows over a number of thoracic segments — 4
Uncini in single rows throughout the body — 3
Prostomium enlarged, lobed. No gills — 8
Prostomium without lobes. Filiform gills present Thelepus
4 No gills Leanea
Gills present — 5
5 Lateral lobes on the first few segments (fig. 43) — 6
No lateral lobes on the first few segments — 7
6 Dorsal winged capillary setae with denticulated ends (fig. 8) Amphitrite
Dorsal setae smooth Lanice
7 Dorsal setae with denticulated ends Terebella
Dorsal setae smooth Nicolea
8 Without uncini. 6 thoracic segments with dorsal setae Lysilla
With uncini — 9
9 Abdominal uncini elongate, acicular (fig. 28) Amaea
Abdominal uncini short, avicular Polycirrus
Family Tomopteridae
One genus Tomopteris
Family Typhosolecidae
One genus Sagitella

Glossary

  • Achaetous — Without setae.
  • Acicular — Shaped like an aciculum, stout, tapering to a blunt point.
  • Aciculum — A stout bristle embedded in the parapodium.
  • Antennular Membrane — A membranous collar, usually with a fringed border, surrounding the bases of the oral tentacles on the ventral side of the anterior region of the body in the Amphictenidae.
  • Arborescent — Branching repeatedly as does a tree.
  • Avicular — Beaked.
  • Biarticulate — Having two joints or divisions.
  • Bidentate — Having two teeth.
  • Bilimbate — Applied to a seta having a flattened wing or border on both sides.
  • Biramous — Having two rami or branches.
  • Canaliculated — With fine canals.
  • Capillary Setae — Setae in one piece, not jointed; usually long, slender, page 84 pointed.
  • Caruncle — A longitudinal ridge on the dorsal surface of the prostomium and extending to more or fewer of the following segments.
  • Cephalic — Belonging to the head region.
  • Cephalic Veil — A membranous collar surrounding the head region.
  • Cephalic Cage — Formed by the setae of the anterior segments which are very long and prolonged forward surrounding the head region.
  • Ceratophore — Basal joint of a tentacle.
  • Cirriform — Applied to processes that are slender and usually curved.
  • Cirrigerous — Bearing cirri.
  • Cirrophore — Basal joint of a cirrus.
  • Cirrus — A slender elongated process attached to a parapodium or to the head region.
  • Compound Setae — Setae having two or more jointed parts.
  • Denticulate — Having tooth-like projections.
  • Dorsal Felting — A feltwork of fine, slender setae covering the dorsal surface of the body.
  • Elytron — A flattened plate attached to the dorsal surface of the parapodium and covering more or less of the dorsal surface.
  • Elytrigerous — Bearing an elytron.
  • Elytrophore — A projection from the dorsal surface of the parapodium upon which the elytron is borne.
  • Facial Tubercle — A tubercle-like process on the anterior end of the prostomium, usually papillated.
  • Filiform — Threadlike.
  • Frontals — A pair of simple tentacles on the anterior margin of the prostomium.
  • Fusiform — Spindle-shaped.
  • Geniculated — Bent like a knee.
  • Gill — Plate-like or feathery outgrowths of any part of the body surface. Presumbly respiratory.
  • Head — Anterior end, including the prostomium and peristomium and sometimes some of the anterior segments.
  • Imbricated — Overlapping like roof tiles.
  • Ligulate — Strap shaped.
  • Ligule — A more or less conical flattened lobe forming part of a parapodium.
  • Limbate — Applied to a seta having flattened wing or border on one side.
  • Moniliform — Constricted at regular intervals giving the appearance of a chain of beads.
  • Neuropodium — Ventral portion of a parapodium.
  • Neurosetae — Setae located in the neuropodium.
  • Notopodium — Dorsal portion of a parapodium.
  • Notosetae — Setae located in the notopodium.
  • Nuchal Process — A ciliated sensory process situated on the dorsal surface posterior to the head.page 85
  • Occipital Flap — A flap-like projection over the prostomium from the dorsal surface of the peristomium.
  • Operculum — Part of the anterior end of the body developed to form a lid or cover to the anterior end of the tube.
  • Palea — Specially enlarged dorsal seta, either paddle-shaped or a heavy hook.
  • Palmate — Divided into lobes like the palm and fingers of a hand.
  • Palp — A more or less cylindrical organ attached to the ventral face of the prostomium.
  • Papillate — Covered with small projections.
  • Paragnaths — Small teeth on the pharynx of a Nereid.
  • Parapodium — Outgrowth from the lateral surface of a segment.
  • Pectinate — Comb-like, having branches on one side of an axis.
  • Peristomium — First body segment, usually surrounds the mouth.
  • Pinnate — With branches arising on each side of an axis.
  • Proboscis — Protrusible pharynx, sometimes armed with teeth.
  • Prostomium — Outgrowth from the anterior dorsal face of the peristomium, often bearing tentacles and eyes.
  • Pygidium — Terminal segment of the body.
  • Ramose — Branched.
  • Setae — Chitinous spines located in the parapodia.
  • Sesquiramous — Applied to a parapodium with reduced notopodium, represented by a dorsal cirrus and a few setae.
  • Setiger — A body segment bearing setae.
  • Spatulate — Spoon-shaped.
  • Style — Terminal portion of a cirrus or tentacle.
  • Subulate — Awl-shaped, narrow and tapering from base to a fine point.
  • Tentacle — Slender outgrowth from the prostomium.
  • Tentacular Cirri — Tentacle-like structures of the sides of the peristomium.
  • Teutacular Filaments — Slender numerous tentacles borne on the anterior end of the body.
  • Uncinus — One of the small hooks found in the neuropodium of some species.
  • Unidentate — Ending in a simple point.
  • Uniramous — Having only one portion or division.

References

Augener, H. — Mortensen Expedition. Polychaeta I, 1923; Polychaeta II, 1924; Polychaeta III, 1927.

Benham, W. B.— Articles in Trans. Roy.Soc.N.Z.; ‘Subantarctic Islands of New Zealand’, Art. 12, 1909; Polychaeta, Brit. Antarctic (‘Terra Nova’) Exped., 7(2), p.47, 1927.

Knox, G. A.— Rec.Cant.Mus., 5(5), p.213 (Nereidae).

Mcintosh, W. C. — ‘Challenger’ Reports Vol. 12.

Munro, C. C. A.— Discovery Reports, 1931, Vol. 2, p.1; 1935, Vol. 12, p.61.

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* This paper is part of a research project assisted by a grant-in-aid of research from the Research Grants Committee of the University of New Zealand.