Elytron (Annelida) on:
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File:Eunoe leiotentaculata lower res.jpg, A ''
In annelids
The annelids (Annelida , from Latin ', "little ring"), also known as the segmented worms, are a large phylum, with over 22,000 extant species including ragworms, earthworms, and leeches. The species exist in and have adapted to various ecolo ...
, elytra (; from Greek
Greek may refer to:
Greece
Anything of, from, or related to Greece, a country in Southern Europe:
*Greeks, an ethnic group.
*Greek language, a branch of the Indo-European language family.
**Proto-Greek language, the assumed last common ancestor ...
ἔλυτρον "sheath, cover"; singular: elytron ) are shield-like scales that are attached dorsally, one pair on each of a number of alternating segments and entirely or partly cover the dorsum. Elytra are modified dorsal cirri, and their number, size, location, and ornamentation are important taxonomic characters. The basal part of the elytra is known as the elytrophore; if (as is often the case) elytra are lost their presence is indicated by the elytrophore which is still present and visible.
Annelids possessing elytra are also known as "scale worms". Possession of elytra is characteristic of the annelid suborder Aphroditiformia.
Gallery
Eunoe leiotentaculata
''Eunoe leiotentaculata'' is a Polynoidae, scale worm known from southern Australia and New Zealand and the South Pacific Ocean at depths of 500-1200 m.
Species recognition
Within the geographic range of ''Eunoe leiotentaculata'', at least 1 ...
'' specimen showing its 15 pairs of elytra.
File:Euphione sp. dorsal.jpg, ''Euphione
''Euphione'' is a genus of polychaetes belonging to the family Polynoidae.
The species of this genus are found in Australia, Malesia
Malesia is a biogeographical region straddling the Equator and the boundaries of the Indomalayan and Austra ...
'' sp. specimen with its highly ornamented elytra.
References
{{reflist Annelid_anatomy Polychaetes