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Microspio Mesnil 1896
Type species: Spio Spio mecznikowianus Claparède 1869
Diagnosis of Microspio : Prostomium anteriorly rounded or bilobed, lacking frontal or lateral horns; eyes present or absent; occipital tentacle present or absent. Branchiae present from chaetiger 2, limited to anterior region or continuing to near end of body; branchiae partly fused (at base) with notopodial lamellae. Notopodial chaetae all capillaries; neuropodial chaetae include capillaries, hooded hooks, and ventral sabre chaetae. Hooks bi-, tri- or multidentate. Pygidium with 2-4 anal cirri.
Source: Modified after Maciolek, N.J. (1990). A redescription of some species belonging to the genera Spio and Microspio (Polychaeta: Annelida) and descriptions of three new species from the northwestern Atlantic Ocean. Journal of Natural History. 24: 1109-1141.
Remarks: Differences from Spio are that occipital tentacle may be present, branchiae begin chaetiger 2, hook may be multidentate.
Go to Family Spionidae.
Data last edited 9/08/2004 (dd/mm/yy), and page last generated by G. Read, 9/08/2004 (dd/mm/yy)