Aeolosoma litorale

Bunke, 1967

Description
Small worms. Prostomium bluntly triangular, broader than the subsequent segments; ciliation of its ventral side extending to lateral fringes of dorsal side. Lateral sensory pits on prostomium either lacking or very small, connected with ciliated ventral side. Cutaneous glands variable in size and colour, from brownish to light red. Hair chaetae only, thin and flexible, slightly curved, and very finely serrated in their distal portion, 7-10 per bundle, in two lengths: 110-150 µm, and 70-95 µm. Length of a chain of up to 7 zooids, up to 4 mm; length of the first zooid 1.6-1.8 mm, width up to 0.175 mm, number of segments in the first zooid 7-12. Differing from the congeners primarily in its poorly developed sensory pits.
Gliding on substratum.

Distribution
Europe.

Ecology
In fresh and brackish water.

Reproduction
Asexual reproduction by paratomy (budding) prevailing. Maturing seldom.

Literature
Bunke, 1967: 213-217, 297-306, Figs 9-10, 50-60; Van der Land, 1971: 681-682, Fig. 13.2B; Kasprzak, 1981: 72, Figs 78-82.

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