Functional morphology and feeding behavior of Scolelepis squamata (Polychaeta: Spionidae)

Functional morphology and feeding behavior of Scolelepis squamata (Müller) were studied. Gut contents consisted of unconsolidated sedimentary particles, fecal pellets of other species, and a wide variety of embryos, larvae, and juveniles. Unlike other spionid polychaetes the palps of S. squamata lack a median, ciliated groove. Particles captured by the palps were brought to the pharynx by a complete contraction of the palp. In the presence of a current, S. squamata helically coiled their palps, and fed almost exclusively on suspended and resuspended particles. In contrast to most spionid polychaetes the palps of S. squamata are not deciduous. Various aspects of the morphology and feeding behavior of S. squamata are discussed in terms of their functional and ecological significance.