A new species of Paraeupolymnia Young and Kritzler, 1986 (Polychaeta: Terebellidae: Terebellinae) from Brazil

Abstract

A new species of the previously monotypic Paraeupolymnia found in large numbers in biogenic structures such as algae, oyster shells, and sabellariid reefs on rocky shores in the State of São Paulo is described here. Paraeupolymnia uspiana is characterised by the absence of both lateral lappets on anterior segments and pigmentation on buccal tentacles, and by the eyespots, which are larger and more numerous than those of P. carus, the type species of the genus. The diagnosis of Paraeupolymnia is emended, based on features of both species, after the analysis of Brazilian material and the holotype of P. carus. It is suggested that, after a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of the group is undertaken. Paraeupolymnia will most probably be synonymised with Eupolymnia.