Chaetogaster limnaei von Baer

Recognition

All dorsal chaetae are normally absent only in this genus and sometimes in the very different Ophidonais serpentina. The shape of Chaetogaster is distinctive with large mouth and pharynx and reduced prostomium. Distinguished from out other Chaetogaster species by the reflexed teeth on the chaetae. There are no eyes or coelomocytes.

Summary

The length is 0.7 to 5 mm. A non-swimming, carnivorous or parasitic worm usually found on mollusks. Subspecies have been recognized in this species.

Distribution

A widespread species over much of the world.

26 MAY 1996 D.L. Gustafson
AIM home page
dlg@rivers.oscs.montana.edu