Aspects of Feeding, Burrowing, and Distribution of Haploscoloplos elongatus (Polychaeta: Orbiniidae) at Bodega Harbor, California

Abstract

Haploscoloplos elongatus in Bodega Harbor has an aggregated dispersion ,pattern correlated with sediments of relatively large grain size (0.149-0.42 mm). The association between algal cover and the presence of worms is riot significant. The worm's soft, lobate proboscis is adequate for direct-deposit feeding and is not involved in burrowing. The prostomium is essential in formation of the penetration anchor and is used for enlargement of the burrow. Movement through the substratum is by retrograde waves by which the worm may move forward or backward.