Errantia · Marine Life · South Africa · Worms

Natal scale-worm (Lepidonotus durbanensis)

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Natal scale-worm cruising on the underside of a rock on the rocky shores. Unknown location, South Africa (2021).
Natal scale-worm cruising on the underside of a rock on the rocky shores. Unknown location, South Africa (2021).

Body elongated, about four times as long as broad. Upper surface of the body covered by 12 pairs of flat bean-shaped scales – called ‘elytra’ by Day (1969). Surface of each elytra covered with low spherical tubercles on the anterior part.

About 20 mm.

Carnivorous worm, common in tidal pools, rock crevices and beneath boulders, from the low shore to the shallow subtidal, from Mosselbaai to Moçambique.

Two Oceans: A Guide to the Marine Life of Southern Africa (1994, 2016), Day (1969).

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Close-up of the low spherical tubercles on the 'elytra' of the Natal scale-worm. Unknown location, South Africa (2021).
Close-up of the low spherical tubercles on the ‘elytra’ of the Natal scale-worm. Unknown location, South Africa (2021).
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