Lepidonotinae

All Biocode files are based on field identifications to the best of the researcher’s ability at the time.

All Biocode files are based on field identifications to the best of the researcher’s ability at the time.

Closeup showing dorsal scales that overlie the organism's dorsal surface. Sexes are separate, and fertilization is external.

All Biocode files are based on field identifications to the best of the researcher’s ability at the time.

All Biocode files are based on field identifications to the best of the researcher’s ability at the time.

All Biocode files are based on field identifications to the best of the researcher’s ability at the time.

These free-living polychaetes have eighteen pairs of overlapping scales. Sometimes they live commensally in the tubes of other polychaetes or in moon snail shells occupied by hermit crabs.

This dorsal view of the anterior body shows the rough elytra (several are missing). Note the particles of debris adhering to the elytra and elsewhere, and the brownish coloration on the elytra.

Lepidonotus squamatus, about 10 mm long. This individual has lost a few anterior elytra. (Photo by: Dave Cowles, July 2009 )