Pillai: Serpulid polychaetes from the Australian Kimberleys 
103 
0.5mm 
0.5mm 
Figure 4. A-E, Vermiliopsis cylindrica n.sp. A,B, from a specimen in AM 
W21434: (A) tube of a juvenile specimen showing early formation of ridges; 
( B ) juvenile operculum, contracted in alcohol, with concave distal end 
bearing a central peak; (C) another juvenile from AM W21406. D,E, a very 
tiny juvenile Vermiliopsis sp. from AM W21434: (D) tube with only a single 
median longitudinal and fine transverse ridges; (E) early juvenile worm in 
which an operculum is yet to be developed. 
3D). Peduncles in older specimens (Fig. 3B-D) are quite 
massive compared to those of similar sizes in V. glandigera. 
A circular, detached portion of a tube, having transverse 
growth rings, was also found with the specimens in AM 
W21434 (Fig. 3K). Further studies are required to confirm 
whether a circular unattached anterior part occurs in this 
species. 
Etymology. The specific name cylindrica refers to the 
characteristic cylindrical shape of the chitinous distal part 
of the operculum in adults of the present species. It is dome¬ 
shaped or conical in the other known species of Vermiliopsis. 
Vermiliopsis glandigera Gravier, 1908 
cap slightly convex, dome-shaped; bears a small peak in its 
centre in specimens unaffected in alcohol preservation (Fig. 
3H,I,L-N). Both the terminal cap and peak may be collapsed 
into to a concavity in those affected by alcohol preservation, 
(Fig. 3B,D). 
Chaetae. Chaetal composition as follows: those of first or 
collar fascicle similar to those of species described below; 
2nd and 3rd thoracic chaetigers consist of bladed chaetae 
and capillaries; fourth consists of bladed chaetae, capillaries 
and transitional sickles (i.e., sickles commence on the 
fourth thoracic chaetiger); and 5th to 7th of bladed chaetae, 
capillaries and sickles. Each uncinal torus borne along the 
posterior border of a flap-like posteroventral extension of 
the thoracic wall (Fig. 3C); thoracic and anterior abdominal 
uncini saw-shaped (Fig. 3F,G); rasp-shaped in posterior part 
of abdomen; number of teeth in thoracic uncini 14 or 15; most 
anterior uncinal tooth simple, with a truncated tip (Fig. 3F,G). 
Remarks. Microscopic examination of the early juvenile 
worm in which an operculum is yet to be developed (Fig. 4E), 
revealed the presence of sickle-shaped chaetae in the thorax. 
The number of peduncular annuli is variable, a maximum 
number of about 10 is present in one specimen (Fig. 31); 
less in another (Fig. 3N); not clearly formed in some (Fig. 
3F,M), or even be irregular when highly contracted (Fig. 
Figs 5A-E, 6A-L, 7A-N 
Vermiliopsis glandigerus Gravier, 1908: 121, pi. viii, figs 
290, 291, text-figs 476^181. 
Vermiliopsis injundibulum/glandigera- complex.—Fiege & 
Sun, 1989: 133, fig. 21A-E. 
For further synonyms, see Fiege & Sun, 1989: 133-134. 
Material examined. Kimberleys, Western Australia: 3 specimens, AM 
W21470, south west corner of Lucas Island, 15°13'S 124°31'E, 30.0 m, 24 
Jul. 1988, st 101; 2 specimens, AM W21472, south west corner of Lucas 
Island, 15°13'S 124°31'E, 30.0 m, 24 Jul. 1988, st 101. Five specimens, 
AM W21451, reef north west of Buffon Island, 14°55’S 124°41’E, 20.0 m, 
23 Jul. 1988, st 85; 1, AM W202948, Condillac Island, 14°06'S 125°33'E, 
sand with scattered bommies, intertidal, 6.0 m, 15 Jul. 1988, st 54. 1 
specimen, consisting of operculum and radioles of right side only, AM 
W21427, south side of Long Reef, 14°01'S 125°44E, 20.0 m, 18 Jul. 
1988, st 60. 2 specimens, with tubes in fragments covered over by coral, 
AM W202957, Lafontane Island, 14°10’S 125°47'E, 15.0 m, 19 Jul. 1988, 
st 85. radiolar crowns and opercula only, AM W21407, Lafontane Island, 
14°10'S 125°47'E, 15.0 m, 19 Jul. 1988, st 68; 2 specimens, AM W21450, 
reef north west of Buffon Island, 14°55'S 124°41E, 20.0 m, 23 Jul. 1988, 
st 85. 1 juvenile, AM W21430, Condillac Island, 14°06'S 125°33E, sand 
with scattered bommies, intertidal, 6.0 m, 15 Jul. 1988, st 54. 5 specimens, 
AM W21400, east side of Fenelon Island, 14°07’S 125°43'E, 18 Jul. 1988, 
st 64. 2 specimens, without tubes (one with incomplete abdomen, and the 
other with radioles and operculum of one side only) AM W21416, reef 
Northwest of Buffon Island, 14°55'S 124°41'E, 20.0 m, 23 Jul. 1988, st 
85. 2juvenile specimens, AM W21435, East of Montalivet Island, 15°06'S 
125°18'E, intertidal, 6.0 m, 16 Jul. 1988, st 50; all coll. RA. Hutchings. 
