Author | Year | Title | Source | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Chambers, S. & Garwood, P.R. | 1992 | *** Polychaetes from Scottish waters: a guide to identification Pt 3:Family Nereidae ***(Superseded) | 68pp, Royal Scottish Museum Studies |
NEREIDIDAE (ragworms) may also be included in identification literature listed under the following higher taxa:
NBN (data.nbn.org.uk) has a distribution map for NEREIDIDAE (ragworms) |
BioInfo (www.bioinfo.org.uk) has 0 host/parasite/foodplant and/or other relationships for NEREIDIDAE (ragworms) |
Identification is based on the arrangement of the eyes, and the microscopic structure of the chaetae. These are best observed in a dead specimen.
In a freshly-killed specimen, the proboscis can be made to extend sufficiently by applying gentle pressure between the fingers or against a glass slide. A second slide on top will hold it in position for photography.
If the specimen has been in alcohol for more than a few minutes, it will be necessary to make an incision and gradually push the proboscis forward from within, or even to dissect it out.
The chaetae require either cutting out a segment or removing a parapodium and mounting on a microscope slide. Take care to keep track of which is the top and bottom of the animal. (The deep groove is ventral).
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