Serpula Linnaeus, 1758

Sun, Yanan, Ten, Harry A. & Qiu, Jian-Wen, 2012, Serpulidae (Annelida: Polychaeta) from Hong Kong, Zootaxa 3424, pp. 1-42 : 25

Genus Serpula Linnaeus, 1758

Type-species: Serpula vermicularis Linnaeus, 1767 , designated by Heppell 1963

Number of species: 28

Diagnosis. Tube white, pink, yellowish; (semi-)circular to trapezoidal in cross-section. Keels and hyaline granular layer may be present. Operculum soft funnel-shaped, with numerous fused radii. Peduncle smooth, without wings, inserted between first and second dorsal radiole on one side. Pseudo-operculum present. Radioles arranged in semi-circles, interradiolar membrane and branchial eyes may be present. Stylodes absent. Seven thoracic segments (exceptionally up to 12). Collar trilobed, tonguelets absent. Thoracic membranes long, usually forming ventral apron. Collar chaetae bayonet type and capillaries. Subsequent.chaetae of two sizes, limbate and capillary. Apomatus chaetae absent. Uncini saw-shaped, with approximately 5 curved teeth, including anterior fang. Thoracic triangular depression present. Abdominal chaetae flat trumpet-shaped; uncini similar to thoracic ones but smaller. Achaetous anterior abdominal zone absent. Capillary chaetae present posteriorly. Glandular pad absent.