Scolelepis of Family Spionidae

Scolelepis Blainville 1828

Type species: Lumbricus squamatus Müller 1806

Diagnosis of Scolelepis : Prostomium pointed on anterior margin, extending posteriorly as narrow caruncle. Occipital tentacle present or absent. Caruncle posteriorly detached or attached to dorsal body wall. Peristomium well-developed, with or without lateal wings. Branchiae beginning on chaetiger 2, continuing to near posterior end of body; in anterior chaetigers, branchiae completely fused to dorsal lamellae or with distal portion free. Capillary noto- and neurochaetae of anterior chaetigers usually arranged in 2 tiers; notochaetal capillaries of posterior chaetigers in a single tier. Most capillary chaetae with prominent sheaths imparting a uni- or bilimbate appearance. Neuropodial hooded hooks present. Notopodial hooded hooks present or absent. Hooks uni-, bi-, tri- or multidentate. Pygidium with oval disc or multi-lobed appendages.

Source: Modified after Blake, J.A.; Kudenov, J.D. (1978). The Spionidae (Polychaeta) from southeastern Australia and adjacent areas with a revision of the genera. Memoirs of the National Museum of Victoria 39: 171-280.

Remarks: Includes Nerinides as sometimes a subgenus or today usually synonymised. Mesnil's usage of Scolelepis and Söderstrom's usage of Nerine relate to the concept of Malacoceros

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Data last edited 8/08/2004 (dd/mm/yy), and page last generated by G. Read, 9/08/2004 (dd/mm/yy)