Notes on Adult Morphology and Larval Development of Tubiluchus corallicola (Priapulida), Based on in vivo and Scanning Electron Microscopic Examinations of Specimens from Bermuda1

Abstract

AbstractKirsteuer, E. (Department of Fossil and Living Invertebrates, The American Museum of Natural History, New York, N.Y. 10024, USA). Notes on adult morphology and larval development of Tubiluchus corallicola (Priapulida), based on in vivo and scanning electron microscopic examinations of specimens from Bermuda. Zool. Scr. 5 (6): 239–255, 1976.—Observations are reported on morphology of adults of both sexes and of several larval forms. The latter are separated into four groups due to differences exhibited inter alia in the lorica length and in the number of scalids, neck folds and tubuli. The larvae are compared with those previously described from Curaçao and Barbados, and it is concluded that at present six larval stages of Tubiluchus corallicola can be distinguished. The functional significance of certain structures in adults and larvae is discussed and a few observations on the behavior of the animals are noted. Most of the details described are illustrated with photomicrographs and the pharyngeal armature in larvae is also documented with scanning electron micrographs.