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Glyceridae

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Glyceridae
Glycera alba.jpg
Glycera alba with everted proboscis.
Scientific classification e
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Annelida
Class: Polychaeta
Order: Phyllodocida
Suborder: Glyceriformia
Family: Glyceridae
Grube, 1850
Genera

Glycera
Glycerella
Hamiglycera
Hemipodus
Rhynchobolus
Telake

Glyceridae is a family of polychaete worms.[1] They are commonly referred to as beak-thrower worms or bloodworms. They are bright red, segmented, aquatic worms. The proboscis worm Glycera is sometimes called bloodworm. The Glyceridae are ferocious epi- and infaunal polychaetes that prey upon small invertebrates. They are errant burrowers that build galleries of interconnected tubes to aid in catching their prey.

Characteristics

  • Pointy snout used for burrowing in sediment
  • No septa in anterior part of bodies
  • Rely on peristalsis to move
  • Explosively evert pharynx into sediment, anchor position with prostomium and pull body forward.
  • Eversible pharynx also used in prey capture: 4 poisonous fangs

References

  1. ^ World Register of Marine Species


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