Verrucapelma retusa


Verrucapelma retusa is a scale worm known from northern Australia, the Timor Sea and the Coral Sea from shallow water to depths of about 20 m.

Description

Verrucapelma retusa is a short-bodied worm with 35–36 segments and 15 pairs of elytra which bear a marginal fringe of papillae. The dorsum is covered with bands of brown-grey, which becomes fainter posteriorly. Lateral antennae are positioned beneath on the prostomium. the notochaetae are about as thick as the neurochaetae. Neurochaetae with bidentate tips are also present.