Petersen, Mary E. 1994. [Abstract only] Pseudocirratulus kingstonensis Augener, 1922: not a cirratulid but an annelid of uncertain affinities (Polychaeta?: Pseudocirratulida new order, Pseudocirratulidae new family). Mémoires du Muséum national D'histoire naturelle 162: 634.

67046

Petersen, M. E.

1994

162: 634

Publication

World Polychaeta Database (WPolyDb). Abstract only, with taxonomy never further published

Pseudocirratulus kingstonensis Augener, 1922, from the intertidal zone of the West Indies, is an earthwormlike species described from a few large specimens questionably assigned to the polychaete family Cirratulidae. No filamentous appendages of any kind were observed, and all setae were reported to be gently curved unidentate hooks. The species has been known only through the brief, unillustrated original description, the correctness of which has been doubted. A reexamination of the types and of a nontype specimen recently found in the collections of the Zoological Museum, University of Copenhagen, has revealed that the species is correctly described but not a cirratulid or referable to any known family or order of polychaetes: although not an oligochaete (e.g., the gut is simple and not specialized; none of the specimens have a clitellum; there are no reproductive organs of oligochaete type), it is most likely to be confused with earthworms (Oligochaeta: suborder Lumbricina). The species is figured for the first time, redescribed and transferred to the Pseudocirratulidae, new family of the new order Pseudocirratulida. A lectotype is designated and the affinities of the species, family and order are discussed.

Caribbean region

Polychaeta

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