Revision of Leocrates Kinberg, 1866 and Leocratides Ehlers, 1908 (Annelida, Errantia, Hesionidae)

A comprehensive taxonomic revision of the hesionid annelid genera Leocrates and Leocratides reveals significant morphological diversity, leading to the reclassification of species into five distinct genera. The study identifies three new genus-group names—Paradalhousia, Paralamprophaea, and Paraleocrates—and reinstates Dalhousia and Lamprophaea as separate genera, correcting previous synonymizations proposed by Marian Pettibone. Key morphological features such as nuchal organs lobes, pharyngeal armature, and neurochaetal blades were standardized to distinguish species. The revision describes 18 new species from various World localities, including the Revillagigedo Islands, and provides identification keys for all hesioninae genera and species. This work challenges long-standing taxonomic assumptions and enhances our understanding of annelid biodiversity.

SALAZAR-VALLEJO, S. I. (2020). Revision of Leocrates Kinberg, 1866 and Leocratides Ehlers, 1908 (Annelida, Errantia, Hesionidae). Zootaxa, 4739(1). https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4739.1.1