Prostomium Morphology as a Criterion for the Identification of Nephtyid Polychaetes (Annelida : Phyllodocida), with Reference to the Taxonomic Status of Aglaophamus neotenus

Abstract

The morphology of the prostomium is suggested as a taxonomic character in Nephtyidae. In the present study, the prostomium morphology of eight species of Nephtys (N. australiensis, N. gravieri, N. semiverrucosa, N. inomata, N. mesobranchia, N. oligobranchia, N. po(ybranchia and N. sukumoensis) which show replacement of barred (laddered) setae was examined. Characteristics of the shape of the antennae and their position were used to divide these species into two groups, one consisting of the first three species and the other, the remaining five species. The two groups are suggested to have different phylogenetic origins. The present study also suggested that Aglaophamus neotenus should be placed in Nephtys as Nephtys neotena new combination.