Autolytus (Polybostrichus) triangulifer Grube, 1878

Nygren, Arne, 2004, Revision of Autolytinae (Syllidae: Polychaeta)., Zootaxa 680, pp. 1-314 : 189

Autolytus (Polybostrichus) triangulifer Grube, 1878

Autolytus (Polybostrichus) triangulifer Grube, 1878: 132 –133, pl.7, fig. 8. Autolytus triangulifer Treadwell 1920: 589 –590.

Remarks. Type material do not exist. Description based on Grube (1878) if not otherwise stated. Length c. 4 mm for 6+(23–25)+? (n=2), width in region b including parapodial lobes 1.3 mm; incomplete specimens. Region c with 31 chaetigers in one of Treadwell's specimens. Characteristic colour pattern with black triangular bars at the anterior margin of each segment. Grube's description of the anterior appendages is unsatisfactory. The median antenna seems to arise from tentacular segment, in addition there are two more, rather long, appendages just lateral to this median antenna. The most likely explanation is that the insertion of the median antenna has been misinterpreted; the thin anterior appendages are the 2 tentacular cirri, the long first dorsal cirri is situated just behind. Frontal processes and achaetous knobs have not been described. The next segment (chaetiger 1) lack dorsal cirri (possibly lost). Following dorsal cirri in region a equal in length, cirri in region b shorter than in a, reciprocally equal. Compound chaetae and bayonet chaetae not described.

Distribution. South West Pacific. Philippines.

Remarks. Given the characteristic colour pattern it is not unlikely that the atokous form of A. triangulifer could be identified. Due to missing data regarding structure of the chaetae, and status of achaetous knobs it is not possible to know to which genus A. triangulifer should be referred. The colour pattern of A. triangulifer is similar to that found in Proceraea hanssoni sp. n. but in P. hanssoni , the black colour markings are never triangular in region a. Autolytus triangulifer is referred to as Autolytinae incertae sedis .