Spirosperma ferox (Eisen)

Recognition

The dorsal bundles with hair and pectinate chaetae. The dermis is densely papillate, opaque and encrusted unless newly shed. The prostomium and first segment are retractile. The anterior dorsal bundles have up to 7 sabre shaped hairs and 5 lyre shaped pectinate chaetae. The anterior ventral bundles have up to 7 bifid chaetae, those behind the genital segments with the teeth diverging obtuse angle.

Summary

Formerly in Peloscolex. A medium sized tubificid (15 - 40 mm) Common and abundant in mesotrophic sites, but uncommon in oligotrophic and grossly polluted sites.

Distribution

A holarctic species that is widespread in eastern North America.

13 APR 1996 D.L. Gustafson
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dlg@rivers.oscs.montana.edu