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ABSTRACT
Whereas adult lancelets trap food particles on secretions produced by the endostyle, the larvae have been thought to be carnivorous or to collect algae by the use of pre-oral cilia. The feeding behavior of larval Branchiostoma floridae has been investigated. Animals were held stationary on a micropipette and the paths taken by particles propelled by the cilia of the larvae were video recorded. Most of the particles entering the mouth on the left side of the body changed direction midway between the mouth and the first pharyngeal slit on the right side of the pharynx. Particles which changed direction then travelled at a constant distance from one another as they proceeded toward the intestine. This suggests that potential food material is captured on a mucus trap secreted by the club-shaped gland and endostyle in a feeding behavior which is very similar to that found in the adult.