Sphaerosyllis pygipapillata Hartmann-Schröder, 1981

Fig. 47A–I

Sphaerosyllis pygipapillata Hartmann-Schröder, 1981: 38, figs. 73–76.

Material examined. AUSTRALIA: WESTERN AUSTRALIA. HOLOTYPE, HZM 16490, Exmouth, Tantabiddy Creek, intertidal sand, G. Hartmann-Schröder, 11 Oct 1975.

Description. The single known specimen is small, 1.08 mm long, 0.14 mm wide, 19 chaetigers, complete, apparently without papillae on dorsum. Prostomium rectangular, completely covered by peristomium (Fig. 47A); 4 small eyes in rectangular arrangement. Antennae small, shorter than prostomium, all similar, with bulbous bases and relatively short tips, inserted on anterior margin of prostomium (Fig. 47A). Tentacular cirri similar to antennae but shorter (only present on left side). Dorsal cirri short, similar to tentacular cirri (Fig. 47A). Parapodial glands not seen. Anterior parapodia each with about 4–5 compound chaetae, blades unidentate, provided with short marginal spines or smooth, longer on dorsal chaetae (Fig. 47D), blades all similar and short, about 5 µm long. Progressively posteriorly, number of compound chaetae on each parapodium decreasing to 3 on posterior parapodia, with similar blades, all smooth (Fig. 47G), slightly hooked. Dorsal simple chaetae from chaetiger 1, unidentate, provided with short marginal spines (Fig. 47C,F). Ventral simple chaetae on posterior parapodia, sigmoid, unidentate, smooth (Fig. 47H). Acicula solitary, distally bent at right angle (Fig. 47E,I). Pygidium small, provided with a few long, acute papillae and 2 anal cirri, similar in shape to dorsal cirri but much longer (Fig. 47B). Pharynx slender, through 3 segments (Fig. 47A); pharyngeal tooth anteriorly located. Proventricle small, through 2 segments, with 13 muscle cell rows.

Distribution. Australia (Western Australia).

Habitat. Fine sand, intertidal.