Abstract
Development of Mooreonuphis stigmatis, one of the dominant polychaete species in the intertidal soft-bottom community in False Bay (San Juan Island, Washington, USA) has been studied from the 5-chaetiger stage to adult utilizing SEM techniques. Clearly lecithotrophic larvae develop inside the parental tubes until at least the 17-chaetiger stage. The earliest observed stage demonstrated reduced trochal ciliation. Description of development of various ciliated sensory organs is provided. Development of prostomial and peristomial appendages is similar to that found in other onuphid larvae. The chaetal progression pattern of larvae is described in detail and a unified terminology for larval and adult chaetae is suggested. Three major chaetal progression patterns in onuphids can be recognized. The phylogenetic status of some character states such as pseudocompound falciger dentition, origin of branchiae and subacicular hooks is discussed.
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