Abstract
Neoteredo reynei, the only species in the genus, occurs in tropical brackish waters of the West Atlantic, where it bores into wood substrata. This study concentrates on the functional morphology of the siphons, dorsal lappets, heart, foot, ctenidia and labial palps. The dorsal lappets are unique to the taxon. They are highly vascularized and are probably involved in gaseous exchange. The ctenidia are Type G and the anterior portion is absent. There is a cuticular junction uniting the ctenidia with the mantle, which has never been reported in the family before. The ctenidia have an efficient mechanism to deal with a high concentration of particles, selecting only small ones to be driven towards the mouth. The labial palps are reduced and play no role in particle selection. These anatomical characters, together with a well-developed appendix and anal canal, suggest that N. reynei feeds mainly on wood.
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