Polychaete Worm Collection

Scientist working with a ragworm specimen
Scientist dissecting a ragworm specimen, held at the Natural History Museum, London

Peacock worm, Sabella pavonina, and feather duster worm, Bispira volutacornis
FLO4568931 Peacock worm, Sabella pavonina, and feather duster worm, Bispira volutacornis. Handcoloured copperplate engraving from Friedrich Johann Bertuch's Bilderbuch fur Kinder

Gattyana cirrhosa polychaete worm (Cirrhated aphrodita, Aphrodita cirrhosa)
FLO4681540 Gattyana cirrhosa polychaete worm (Cirrhated aphrodita, Aphrodita cirrhosa). Illustration drawn and engraved by Richard Polydore Nodder

Polychaete worm, Phyllodoce lamelligera (Nereis lamelligera). Handcoloured copperplate engraving by James Sowerby
FLO5003754 Polychaete worm, Phyllodoce lamelligera (Nereis lamelligera). Handcoloured copperplate engraving by James Sowerby from The British Miscellany, or Coloured figures of new, rare

Fan worm, Serpula vermicularis 1, polychaete worm, Spirorbis corrugatus 2, tube-building annelid worm
6338510 Fan worm, Serpula vermicularis 1, polychaete worm, Spirorbis corrugatus 2, tube-building annelid worm, Spirobranchus triqueter 3 and Galeolaria caespitosa 4 by Corsi (19th century)

Armoured Worm
Plumulites sp. Macheridian armoured worm. Ordovician, Mercissi, Er Rachida, Morocco

Polychaete marine worm, SEM C018 / 0313
Polychaete marine worm, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). These marine worms are normally found in sand and sediment on the sea floor. Many are active predators

Scientist with a ragworm specimen C016 / 5976
Scientist dissecting a ragworm specimen under a microscope. Photographed at the Natural History Museum, London, UK

Arenicola loveni, polychaete worm
Illustration from Catalogue of the Chaetopoda in the British Museum (Natural History), Polychaeta (1912). Illustration on display in the Darwin Centre at the Natural History Museum, London

Polychaete worm
An annelid worm of the class Polychaeta

Rotularia bognori, tube of polychaete worm
A tube cast of the polychaete worm (Rotularia bognori). Specimen originates from Bognor, England

Cape reef worm tubes
Cape reef worm (Gunnarea capensis) tubes. These encrusted tubes, found on sheltered rocks in tidal areas, are formed by this polychaete worm from bits of grit and sand

Peacock worms at low tide
Peacock worms (Sabella pavonina) at low tide, among sand and rocks. This marine polychaete worm is a type of tube worm. The tubes are made of fragments of seashells

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In the world of marine biology, scientists are constantly uncovering fascinating creatures that inhabit our oceans. One such creature is the polychaete worm, a diverse and intriguing species that never fails to captivate researchers. A dedicated scientist can be seen in this image carefully examining a ragworm specimen. With meticulous precision, they study its intricate features and behavior, unraveling the secrets hidden within this enigmatic creature. The handcoloured copperplate engraving showcases various species of polychaete worms found in different habitats. From the elegant fan worm, Serpula vermicularis, to the tube-building annelid worm Spirobranchus triqueter, each one displays unique characteristics that contribute to their survival in their respective environments. One particularly striking image reveals an armoured worm under a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The detailed view highlights its remarkable structure and adaptations for life beneath the waves. Not all polychaete worms reside deep below the surface; some thrive in shallower waters like Osedax mucofloris or Arenicola loveni. These North Sea inhabitants play vital roles within their ecosystems and continue to fascinate scientists with their resilience and adaptability. Rotularia bognori showcases another aspect of these incredible creatures - their ability to construct elaborate tubes as protective shelters. These structures provide both safety and stability for these delicate organisms as they navigate through challenging underwater landscapes. Cape reef worm tubes stand tall against crashing waves, serving as a reminder of nature's ingenuity even in harsh conditions. Their vibrant colors create a mesmerizing sight at low tide when peacock worms emerge from hiding places along rocky shores. As we delve deeper into understanding these captivating creatures, we gain invaluable insights into our planet's biodiversity. Polychaete worms remind us of nature's endless wonders waiting to be discovered beneath the ocean's surface – an ever-evolving tapestry woven by millions of tiny threads.