Key:  Family Serpulidae

Phylum Annelida
 Class Polychaeta
  Order Sabellida

Taken primarily from  Kozloff, 1987, 1996 p. 164 (Copyright 1987, 1996, University of Washington Press.  Used in this web page by permission of University of Washington Press)
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1a  Operculum well developed, at the tip of a specialized, nearly mid-dorsal radiole that has no pinnules 2
1b Operculum absent, or consisting of a swelling at the tip of a relatively unmodified radiole that has pinnules 5
2a Operculum globular, with a brown, chitinous plate at its distal end Pseudochitinopoma occidentalis
2b Operculum funnel-shaped 3
3a Operculum with 2 or 3 obvious protuberances just below the funnel 4
3b Stalk of operculum without protuberances just below the funnel, but it has a ringlike thickening in this position (Serpula. vermicularis in Kozloff key) Serpula columbiana
4a Operculum with 2 protuberances just below the funnel; edge of the funnel rather irregular, due in part to the funnel being longer dorsally than ventrally and somewhat compressed laterally Crucigera irregularis
4b Operculum with 3 protuberances just below the funnel; funnel opening almost perfectly circular, its edge regular Crucigera zygophora
5a Operculum absent 6
5b Operculum present, globular, transparent 7
6a With only 6 radioles Salmacina tribranchiata
6b With about 120 radioles Protula pacifica
7a Abdominal setae sharply bent, with smooth blades Apomatus geniculata
7b Abdominal setae not sharply bent, with serrated blades Apomatus timmsii



Taxonomic Levels Represented in This Key:

  Serpula vermicularis



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