Lepidonotus melanogrammus Haswell, 1883, Dark-marked Scale Worm

General Description

Body covered with 12 pairs of smooth, overlapping scales( elytrae) that have dark brown crescent-shaped markings, over 26 segments. Up to 5 cm long.

Biology

Scale worms are predators, attacking small invertebrates. This scale worm is very often seen crawling over the Banded Brittle Star (Ophionereis schayeri), but the nature of the association between the two species is unknown. Both the brittle star and the scale worm can also often be found by themselves.

Distribution

Southern Australia.

Habitat

Reef areas, to depths greater than 20 m.