Three new species of Proceraea (Polychaeta: Syllidae: Autolytinae) from Brazil and the United States, with a synopsis of all Proceraea-like taxa

Abstract

Three new species of Proceraea Ehlers, 1868 are described: P. gigantea sp.n. from California, P. nigropunctata sp.n. from California and Washington, and P. rubroproventriculata sp.n. from Florida and Brazil. Comparisons with all similar taxa are provided and summarized in a table. Proceraea gigantea is characterized by large teeth on the distal part of the chitinous inner proboscis lining (trepan) and by the largest known size in Proceraea, P. nigropunctata by a unique colour pattern, and P. rubroproventriculata by having a trepan with 12 large teeth alternating with 12 smaller teeth, in two separate rings.

Keywords:

• Trepan
• bayonet setae
• nuchal epaulettes
• proventricle
• colour-pattern
• Proceraea
• new species
• synopsis