Golfingia vulgaris

How to Distinguish from Similar Species: Phascolosoma agasssizi has an introvert with dark streaks and blotches, plus its tentacles are in a crescent dorsal to the mouth. Golfingia pugettensis has smooth, light-colored skin and a longer introvert.

Biology/Natural History: There are many subspecies of this species, widely distributed. The genus name Golfingia was created by E. Ray Lankester to celebrate a holiday he spent golfing at Saint Andrews in 1885.

The tentacles of this species are unbranched, small and fingerlike, and are arranged in 1-2 circles around the mouth. The introvert does not have dark blotches and streaks nor a row of hooks near its anterior end, and its length is less than half the body length. The skin is very rough and dark brown. Has 4 retractor muscles.