A new genus and species of nudibranch-mimicking Syllidae (Annelida, Polychaeta).

ABSTRACT: Nudibranch mollusks, which are well-known for their vivid warning coloration and effective defenses, are mimicked by diverse invertebrates to deter predation through both Müllerian and Batesian strategies. Despite extensive documentation across different taxa, mimickers have not been detected among annelids, including polychaetes, until now. This study described a new genus and species of polychaete living on Dendronephthya octocorals in Vietnam and Japan. Belonging to Syllidae, it exhibits unique morphological adaptations such as a low number of body segments, simple chaetae concealed within the parapodia and large and fusiform antennae and cirri. Moreover, these appendages are vividly colored, featuring an internal dark red area with numerous terminal white spots and bright yellow tips,

SUBMITTER: Jimi N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11286968 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature