Parapodium Collection

Sandworm (Nereis pellagica). Sandworms are marine annelid worms that burrow in wet sand and mud using parapodia (un jointed limb-like outgrowths) and setae (bristles) for locomotion

King ragworm C015 / 7450
King ragworm (Alitta virens). This is a marine polychaete, a class of annelid (segmented) worms. Each segment has a pair of fleshy un-jointed limb-like appendages (parapodia)

King ragworm C015 / 7523
King ragworm (Alitta virens). This is a marine polychaete, a class of annelid (segmented) worms. Each segment has a pair of fleshy un-jointed limb-like appendages (parapodia)

King ragworm C015 / 7495
King ragworm (Alitta virens). This is a marine polychaete, a class of annelid (segmented) worms. Each segment has a pair of fleshy un-jointed limb-like appendages (parapodia)

King ragworm C015 / 7421
King ragworm (Alitta virens). This is a marine polychaete, a class of annelid (segmented) worms. Each segment has a pair of fleshy un-jointed limb-like appendages (parapodia)

King ragworm C015 / 7481
King ragworm (Alitta virens). This is a marine polychaete, a class of annelid (segmented) worms. Each segment has a pair of fleshy un-jointed limb-like appendages (parapodia)

Fireworm bristles, SEM
Fireworm bristles. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a fireworms bristles (setae). Fireworms (family Amphinomidae) are polychaete (meaning many-bristled) worms

Fireworm, SEM
Fireworm. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a fireworm (family Amphinomidae). This is a polychaete (meaning many-bristled) and segmented worm

Polychaete marine worms (Pseudopotamilla reniformis). Polychaetes are a class of annelid (segmented) worms. Each segment has a pair of fleshy un-jointed limb-like appendages (parapodia)

Sea butterflies (Limacina helicina). Sea butterflies are swimming predatory marine sea snails. They have two wing-like outgrowths (parapodia) derived from their foot

King ragworm
Kingragworm (Alitta virens). This is a marine polychaete, a class of annelid (segmented) worms. Each segment has a pair of fleshy un-jointed limb-like appendages (parapodia)

Polychaete marine worm on a sponge
Polychaete marine worm (Lepidonotus squamatus) on a natural sponge. Polychaetes are a class of annelid (segmented) worms. Each segment has a pair of fleshy limb-like appendages (parapodia)

Sandworm body. Close-up of the body of a sandworm (Nereis pellagica), showing its parapodia (un jointed limb-like outgrowths) and setae (bristles)

Polychaete marine worm (Phyllodoce groenlandica). Polychaetes are a class of annelid (segmented) worms. Each segment has a pair of fleshy un-jointed limb-like appendages (parapodia)

Sea butterfly (Limacina helicina). Sea butterflies are swimming predatory marine sea snails. They have two wing-like outgrowths (parapodia, left and right) derived from their foot

Bobbit worm with its jaws extended. Bobbit worms (Eunice aphroditois) are aggressive predatory polychaete worms that use their huge jaws (grey) to snatch at passing fish

Lugworm. Close-up of the head of a lugworm (Arenicola marina). Lugworms are a marine species of annelid worm that have parapodia (hair-like outgrowths) and gills

Lugworm body. Close-up of a section of the body of a lugworm (Arenicola marina). Lugworms are a marine species of annelid worm that have parapodia (hair-like outgrowths) and gills

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The parapodium, a remarkable appendage found in various marine creatures, serves as an essential tool for their survival and locomotion. One such creature is the sandworm, known for its elongated body and distinctive parapodia that resemble tiny legs. These parapodia allow the sandworm to burrow deep into the sandy ocean floor with ease. Another fascinating example is the king ragworm (C015/7450), which possesses unique parapodia that aid in both swimming and crawling. Its flexible and muscular appendages enable it to navigate through different environments effortlessly. Similarly, the king ragworm (C015/7523) showcases its impressive parapodia that assist in swift movements across various substrates. With these specialized structures, this marine worm can adapt to changing conditions efficiently. The king ragworm (C015/7495) also displays its incredible parapodia designed for efficient locomotion. These adaptations allow it to thrive in diverse habitats while searching for food or evading predators. Intriguingly, fireworms possess bristles on their parapodia that provide them with protection against potential threats. Under scanning electron microscopy (SEM), these bristles appear intricate and formidable, serving as a defense mechanism against predators. Additionally captured under SEM are images of fireworms themselves, showcasing their distinct features including their vibrant colors and segmented bodies adorned with striking patterns. Lastly, we have the sea butterfly—a delicate creature equipped with graceful wings formed by modified parapodia. These ethereal structures enable them to gracefully glide through ocean currents resembling fluttering butterflies underwater.