Scale Worm Lepidonotus melanogrammus

Form:

The Scale Worm is a short, compact worm with 12 pairs of overlapping scales, called elytra, covering the upper surface.

Each scale is marked a distinctive C-shaped brown pattern. The scales may shed if touched. This worm has two pairs of eyes, and two single side antennae.

Colour:

The Scale Worm is light fawn or grey in colour. Each scale is marked with a distinctive c-shaped brown pattern.

Distribution:

Ranges along the New South Wales coast and then skips Victoria to reoccur in South Australia across to southern Western Australia.

Habitat:

The Scale Worm is found at low tide on rocky shores

Biology:

Polynoid worms like the Scale Worm are active predators capturing food using a reversible armed pharynx, which it swiftly inverts like a finger on a rubber glove. The sharp mandibles at the end are used for capturing unsuspecting prey.

References:

Bennett, I. (1987) W.J. Dakin's classic study: Australian Seashores. p.185, Angus & Robertson, Sydney.

Davey, K. (1998) A Photographic Guide to Seashore Life of Australia. p.39, New Holland, Sydney.

Edgar, G.J. (1997) Australian Marine Life: the plants and animals of temperate waters. p.157, Reed Books, Kew.

Worms

Eunice
Bristle Worm
Galeolaria
Scale Worm
Peanut Worm

Home Page
Taxonomy
Biogeography
Rocky Shores
Tidal Levels
Intertidal Zonation
Environmental Factors
Biological Factors
Feeding Relationships
Activities
Glossary
References