Rhynchelmis elrodi Smith & Dickey

Recognition

The prostomium terminates in a long proboscis and the chaetae are simple pointed like Eclipidrilus daneus, but the atria lacks spiral muscles and the spermahecae are in segment 8. It is similar to Rhynchelmis rostrata, but the gonopores are paired and the penes are finger-like. There is another Rhynchelmis species in Montana, possibly undescribed, this is under current investigation by experts.

Summary

A large worm reaching about 100 mm. Possibly includes the species named R. glandula and R. alaskana.

Distribution

This is the most common Rhynchelmis in Western Montana. It is a nearctic species restricted to the northwest.

06 MAY 1996, updated on 29 DEC 1996 D.L. Gustafson
AIM home page
dlg@rivers.oscs.montana.edu