Limnodrilus claparedianus Ratzel
Recognition
The dorsal bundles with bifid or simple chaetae but no hairs.
Only mature worms can be identified.
The penis sheaths are thin and cylindrical 0.8 to 1.1 mm (50 - 80 x the
width) in length and have a triangular to pear-shaped head plate.
A few of the anterior chaetae have the upper tooth elongate.
Summary
Several variant spellings of the species may be seen.
Some specimens may seem intermediate between L. claparedianus
and L. cervix.
A large tubificid (30 - 60 mm) that is common in clean and enriched
rivers and lakes.
Distribution
A world-wide species that is widespread in North America.
13 APR 1996 D.L. Gustafson
AIM home page
dlg@rivers.oscs.montana.edu