Review of genera within theAxionice/Pistacomplex (Polychaeta, Terebellidae), with discussion of the taxonomic definition of other Terebellidae with large lateral lobes

Abstract

The definitions of terebellid genera have caused considerable confusion. Some genera, such asPistaMalmgren, 1866, are clearly not monophyletic and the need to revise them is widely accepted. A phylogenetic analysis of genus level morphological characters within theAxionice/Pistacomplex and other Terebellidae with large lateral lobes revealed two well defined groups; these differed in the arrangement of different forms of lateral lobes on segments 1–3, the shape of the branchiae, structure of the ventral pads and, if present, the origin of the manubrium on the uncini. One of the groups includes the type species ofPista; the other includes the type species ofAxioniceand almost all the other genera whose taxonomic status is discussed in this paper (Betapista,Eupistella,Lanice,Loimia,Paraxionice) which we propose to treat as its junior synonyms. Three other genera –Lanicides,LanicolaandScionella– did not fall within these two groups; they are accepted as distinct. A complete list of species ofAxioniceandPistais provided; 39 species currently included inPistashould be moved toAxionice, thusAxioniceincludes at least 94 species. Many authors’ descriptions of the type species ofPista(Amphitrite cristataMüller, 1776) conflict with the original description.Amphitrite cristatas. str. has been described as a new species:Scionella lornensisPearson, 1969 and the type species of a new genus:PistellaHartmann-Schröder, 1996.Scionella lornensisis here considered a junior synonym ofAmphitrite cristata. Redescriptions of the type species ofAxioniceandPistaare provided.