On the distinction of Harmothoe globifera (G.O. Sars, 1873) and some other easily confused polynoids in the NE Atlantic, with the description of a new species of Acanthicolepis Norman in McIntosh, 1900 (Polychaeta, Polynoidae)

Abstract

In the Northeast Atlantic several polynoid species have been confused in the past due to similarities in their elytral characters: Harmothoe globifera (G.O.Sars, 1873), Eunoe nodosa (M. Sars, 1861), Eunoe oerstedi Malmgren, 1866, Leucia nivea (M. Sars, 1863), and Acanthicolepis zibrowii n. sp., a new species from deep cold-water corals. The five species are redescribed and figured based on type and additional material. An identification key allowing also the identification of juveniles and anterior fragments and a synoptic table listing the major distinguishing characters of the species covered are provided.