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Capitella of Family Capitellidae

Capitella Blainville 1828

Type species: Lumbricus capitatus Fabricius 1780

Diagnosis of Capitella : Prostomium conical; Peristomium an achaetous ring. Thorax with 9 chaetigers; capillary chaetae 1-3(to7); thereafter hooded hooks or mixed groups (to 7). Genital spines in notopodia of chaetigers 8-9 in all mature males and females of some species. Branchiae absent. Pygidium without appendages.

Source: Modified after Blake, J.A. (2000). Family Capitellidae Grube, 1862. In: Blake, J.A.; Hilbig, B.; Scott, P.V. (eds). Taxonomic Atlas of the Benthic Fauna of the Santa Maria Basin and Western Santa Barbara Channel. Vol 7 (Annelida part 4) pp. 47-96.

Remarks: Capitella species generally recognised as C. capitata complex, due to difficulty of separating cryptic biological species.

Go to Family Capitellidae.

Data last edited 27/07/2004 (dd/mm/yy), and page last generated by G. Read, 9/08/2004 (dd/mm/yy)