Orbiniidae polychaetes (Polychaeta: Scolecida) from Coiba Island, eastern Pacific of Panama, with description of a new species

Researchers have identified a new species of polychaete worm, Orbinia oligopapillata, within the Orbiniidae family, found in the mangrove systems and tidal flats of Coiba National Park, Panama. This discovery is notable for its unique morphological traits, including 15-16 thoracic chaetigers with distinct uncini rows and specialized abdominal parapodia. Additionally, the study describes a specimen from the genus Leitoscoloplos exhibiting rare lateral pouches on its abdominal chaetigers, a brooding structure previously documented in only two species of Scoloplos. The research involved sampling at three intertidal levels across two mangrove sites during February and November 1997. These findings expand the understanding of polychaete biodiversity in the eastern Pacific and highlight the ecological significance of Coiba National Park's marine environments.

López, E., & San Martín, G. (2014). Orbiniidae polychaetes (Polychaeta: Scolecida) from Coiba Island, eastern Pacific of Panama, with description of a new species. Revista de Biología Tropical, 54(4), 1307. https://doi.org/10.15517/rbt.v54i4.14403