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Two new species of Travisia Johnston, 1840 (Annelida, Travisiidae) are described from the continental shelf of south-eastern Australia: Travisia tribus sp. nov. and Travisia una sp. nov. Travisia olens novaezealandiae Benham, 1927 is raised to species rank as Travisia novaezealandiae Benham, 1927 new status. We describe epidermal structures using scanning electron microscopy, and discuss pygidial morphology of the two new Travisia species and distinguish an additional character. We recognise four species of Travisia recorded from Australia and include a dichotomous key to allow their identification. A separate downloadable resource provides access to an annotated morphological character list for Travisia species, a downloadable interactive key using the Delta (Descriptive Language for Taxonomy) Intkey software, and concise descriptions and minimal diagnoses and descriptions of all currently recognised species of Travisia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we review the systematics, diversity, and ecology of two related annelid families: Opheliidae Malmgren, 1867 and Scalibregmatidae Malmgren, 1867. Opheliids are deposit-feeders and that are mainly found as burrowers in sandy sediments. Morphologically, opheliids are characterized by the smooth cuticle, as well as the presence of a conspicuous ventral groove, reduced parapodia, and a tubular-shaped structure often projecting from the posterior end. Scalibregmatids are also deposit-feeders, but compared to opheliids, they have a characteristic arenicoliform body, a T-shaped anterior end and a glandular, reticulated epidermis. For each family, we summarize the available information about the evolutionary relationships, taxonomic history, geographical distribution, ecological preferences and diversity of life strategies along with the techniques most commonly used for their study. By highlighting the main gaps in knowledge on each of these topics, this review ultimately aims at stimulating further research into members of these two families in the future.

The phylogenetic position of the polychaete genus Travisia within Annelida is a matter of ongoing debate. Travisia is usually placed within Opheliidae, but morphological similarities with Scalibregmatidae, such as a rugose epidermis, are obvious. To further examine placement of this enigmatic group, we examined 28 annelid species from a range of families, but with special emphasis on Scalibregmatidae and Opheliidae. Our data set consisted of four genes: 16S rDNA, 18S rDNA, 28S rDNA and Histone 3. By combining genes and conducting Maximum Likelihood, Maximum Parsimony and Bayesian analysis, our results strongly support a sister-group relationship of Travisia and Scalibregmatidae. None of the phylogenetic analyses clustered Travisia with or within Opheliidae and such placements are also significantly rejected by hypothesis testing. Moreover, we obtained new insights on relationships within Opheliidae and Scalibregmatidae. Within Opheliidae, the traditional classification into Opheliinae and Ophelininae received strong support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we review the systematics, diversity, and ecology of two related annelid families: Opheliidae Malmgren, 1867 and Scalibregmatidae Malmgren, 1867. Opheliids are deposit-feeders and that are mainly found as burrowers in sandy sediments. Morphologically, opheliids are characterized by the smooth cuticle, as well as the presence of a conspicuous ventral groove, reduced parapodia, and a tubular-shaped structure often projecting from the posterior end. Scalibregmatids are also deposit-feeders, but compared to opheliids, they have a characteristic arenicoliform body, a T-shaped anterior end and a glandular, reticulated epidermis. For each family, we summarize the available information about the evolutionary relationships, taxonomic history, geographical distribution, ecological preferences and diversity of life strategies along with the techniques most commonly used for their study. By highlighting the main gaps in knowledge on each of these topics, this review ultimately aims at stimulating further research into members of these two families in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The polychaete Scalibregma celticum was recorded for the first time along the western Italian coast (Mediterranean Sea). A survey was carried out in February 2009 off the Sardinia north-east coast. Six individuals of S. celticum were collected at 40 m depth on a sandy substratum. In the present study they are described, pointing out the difference between S. celticum and S. inflatum a species more common along the Italian coast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]