Pseudopolydora Czerniavsky, 1881

Vı & Delgado-Blas, ctor H., 2008, Polydora and related genera (Polychaeta: Spionidae) from the Grand Caribbean region, Journal of Natural History 42 (1 - 2), pp. 1-19 : 13-14

Genus Pseudopolydora Czerniavsky, 1881

Type species: Polydora antennata Claparède, 1870 , by original designation.

Diagnosis

Prostomium entire or incised, extending posteriorly as a caruncle; occipital antenna present or absent. Chaetiger 1 generally reduced, with or without notochaetae. Chaetiger 5 not highly modified nor distinctly enlarged, noto- and neuropodia often well developed with postchaetal lamellae and spreading fascicles of capillaries; curved row of heavy spines of two types, or single type with companion chaetae; modified chaetae often arranged in J- or U-shaped fascicles. Posterior notopodial spines or hooks present or absent. Neuropodial bidentate hooded hooks from chaetiger 8, each hook with secondary tooth closely applied to main fang, with distinct constriction on shaft. Branchiae begin posterior to chaetiger 5. Pygidium enlarged or reduced, collar-like, or divided into lobes or small lappets.

Remarks

The species of Pseudopolydora are among the least modified of the Polydora complex. In most Pseudopolydora species, chaetiger 5 is only slightly modified or has the same appearance as chaetiger 4 or 6. Pseudopolydora is one of the largest of the polydorid genera, with at least 22 named species recorded according to a compilation of existing literature and the new species presented in this work.