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

Authors :
Jimi, Naoto
Britayev, Temir A.
Sako, Misato
Woo, Sau Pinn
Martin, Daniel
Source :
Scientific Reports. 7/29/2024, Vol. 14 Issue 1, p1-11. 11p.
Publication Year :
2024

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, effectively contributing to mimicking the appearance of a nudibranch. This discovery not only documents the first known instance of such mimicry among annelids, but also expands our understanding of evolutionary adaptation and ecological strategies in marine invertebrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
20452322
Volume :
14
Issue :
1
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Scientific Reports
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
178678689
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-66465-4