|
|
Family: Tetrastemmatidae
|
Bocas Species Database Habitat: Known to occur in open bay areas at high-water levels in sandy and rocky regions constantly agitated by the surf Distribution: Curaçao, Bocas del Toro Characteristics: Up to 10 mm in length and 0.3 mm in maximum width. During normal gliding the anterior end is spatulate and narrower than the trunk. Behind the head there is a constriction from which the body enlarges successively backwards to the last third, and then tapes towards the hind end. The posterior tip is either pointed or slightly rounded. Both ends bear a few tactile cilia. The ground color is milky white or yellowish whit, sometimes darker owing to the intestinal contents or two brownish or blackish scattered pigment. On the back there are two lateral longitudinal stripes strongly conspicuous through their deep brown color. Sometimes they are not continuous, but appear as rows of brown irregular spots placed closely together. The stripes do not join at the ends. On the dorso-median line, between the two lateral stripes, there are one or (sometimes) two longitudinal rows of brown spots, irregular in size, shape and distribution. They reach both ends of the body. On the outer side of the lateral stripes there is one longitudinal row of brown spots, situated almost on the lateral borders of the body. These rows do not always reach the ends, and are generally composed of a small number of spots. There are two transverse cephalic furrows. The anterior furrow is broad, distinct, deep, slightly curved forwards, strongly ciliated and complete dorsally. The posterior one is rather shallow, indistinct, but also complete. There are two pairs of eyes. They are somewhat indistinct in gliding worms, owing to brown pigment lying over them. The anterior eyes, situated closely in front of the anterior cephalic furrow, have their black pigment cups directed anterior-laterally. The posterior eyes situated in front of the posterior cephalic furrow, are roundish and also black. |
|