Abstract
The hesionid polychaete Hesione reticulata von Marenzeller, 1879 was described from Enoshima Island, Japan and has been recorded also from the Red Sea. Depending on researchers, it has been regarded as either a distinct species or synonymous with older established ones. The type specimen has been lost. In order to clarify its taxonomic status, Hesione reticulata is herein redescribed, illustrated, and a neotype is proposed based on recent material collected near the type locality. The diagnostic features include the presence of several dorsal, discontinuous longitudinal bands, interrupted by pale segmental spots; prostomium with tiny antennae; a tuberculated dorsal integument; acicular lobes double; and neurochaetal blades with guards approaching the distal tooth. The dorsal color pattern in life enables a clear distinction from similar species such as Hesione intertexta Grube, 1878 amongst others. Mitochondrial COI barcoding sequences are deposited in the DNA Data Bank of Japan. A key to Hesione species from Japan is also included.
Highlights
The hesionid polychaete Hesione reticulata von Marenzeller, 1879 is in need of redescription, in particular incorporating observations of the living pigmentation. This is because delimitation of the species from similar forms, such as H. splendida Savigny in Lamarck, 1818, H. pantherina Risso, 1826, and H. intertexta Grube, 1878, involves the color pattern on the dorsal surface, which disappears immediately after fixation
Dorsal pigmentation can be roughly separated into three patterns: 1) bright grayish in H. splendida Savigny in Lamarck, 1818, 2) transverse bands as in H. genetta Grube, 1867 and H. picta Müller, 1858, but in the former there are round spots along body, and 3) longitudinal lines such as in H. intertexta Grube, 1878, H. pantherina Risso, 1826, H. reticulata von Marenzeller, 1879, and H. steenstrupi de Quatrefages, 1866
Neurochaetal blade length was measured from the level of the articulation membrane attachment to chaetal tip; the width was measured at the widest part and expressed as a length:width ratio or by indicating how many times the length corresponds to the width
Summary
Designation of a neotype and redescription of Hesione reticulata von Marenzeller, 1879 from Japan (Annelida, Hesionidae).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
