Summary
The surface anatomy and the structures lining the pharynx of Halicryptus spinulosus were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The structures were compared and contrasted with those reported for other priapulids, particularly those features previously studied with SEM. Buccal papillae and pharyngeal teeth of two types were described. Surface structures observed with SEM were: scalids, abdominal setae, anal papillae, posterior warts and ring papillae. The latter three structures are unique among described priapulids. The anal papillae are composed of several rounded, perhaps pedunculate, structures; the posterior warts are composed of mitriform structures in close association with columnar structures. Both are located in separate depressions in the posterior integument. The ring papillae occur on the annuli close to the posterior end. Halicryptus spinulosus was previously thought to lack these structures.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Amor A (1975) Algunas Estructuras Cuticulares Desconocidas de Acanthopriapulus horridus (Theel 1911). Physis (Buenos Aires) 34:441–444
Boyde A, Wood C (1969) Preparation of animal tissues for surface-scanning electron microscopy. J Microsc 90:221–248
Calloway C (1975) Morphology of the introvert and associated structures of the priapulid Tubiluchus corallicola from Bermuda. Mar Biol (Berlin) 31:161–174
Hammond R (1970) The surface of Priapulus caudatus (Lamarck 1816). Z Morphol Tiere 68:225–268
Kirsteuer E (1976) Notes on adult morphology and larval development of Tubiluchus corallicola (Priapulida), based on in vivo and scanning electron microscope examinations of specimens from Bermuda. Zool Scr 5:239–255
Kirsteuer E, Rutzler K (1973) Additional notes on Tubiluchus corallicola (Priapulida), based on scanning electron microscope observations. Mar Biol (Berlin) 20:78–87
Land J van der (1968) A new aschelminth, probably related to the Priapulida. Zool Meded (Leiden) 42:237–250
Land J van der (1970) Systematics, zoogeography, and ecology of the Priapulida. Zool Verh (Leiden) 112:1–118
Moritz K (1972) Zur Feinstruktur integumentaler Bindungen bei Priapuliden (Halicryptus spinulosus and Priapulus caudatus). Z Morphol Tiere 72:203–230
Por F (1972) Priapulida from deep bottoms near Cyprus. Isr J Zool 21:525–528
Por F, Bromley H (1974) Morphology and anatomy of Maccabeus tentaculatus (Priapulida: Seticoronaria). J Zool 173:173–197
Salvini-Plawen L v (1974) Zur Morphologie und Systematik der Priapulida: Chaetostephanus praeposteriens, der Vertreter einer neuen Ordnung Setocoronaria. Z Zool Syst Evolforsch 12:31–54
Schraff R (1885) On the skin and nervous system of Priapulus and Halicryptus. Q J Microsc Sci 25:193–213
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Merriman, J.A. Cuticular structures of the priapulid Halicryptus spinulosus: A scanning electron microscopical study. Zoomorphology 97, 285–295 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00310281
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00310281