Branchiura sowerbyi Beddard

Recognition

The dorsal bundles with hair and bifid, or rarely pectinate chaetae. A large worm with unique dorsal and ventral gill filaments on the segments beyond 30. Anterior fragments might pass for Aulodrilus pluriseta. Anterior dorsal bundles with 1-3 short hairs and about 12 bifid chaetae, anterior ventral chaetae have about 10 bifid chaetae.

Summary

A worm of southern origins that is easily differentiated from other tubificids by the presence of gills. A large worm (38 - 185 mm) that prefers rivers and is prone to fragmenting.

Distribution

Originally, it was thought to be a native of tropical Asia and introduced world-wide with tropical water lilies, but it is now thought just to be most conspicuous in these places and naturally widespread. It is widespread in North America, but sporadic and often most conspicuous in artificially warmed waters. It has not yet been found in Montana where it might be expected in our warm springs.

13 APR 1996, updated on 03 JUN 1996 D.L. Gustafson
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dlg@rivers.oscs.montana.edu