SCANNING ELECTRON-MICROSCOPIC OBSERVATIONS OF THE PROBOSCIDEAL PAPILLAE OF GLYCINDE ARMIGERA (ANNELIDA, POLYCHAETA)

Scanning electron microscopical observations on the papillae of the pr oboscideal organs of Glycinde armigera present the first clear picture of the morphology of these complex structures and reveal some misconc eptions based on earlier light-microscope studies. The number of papil lae in area III showed a greater range (2 to 8 rows) than previously r eported, and only one row of papillae was present in area IV. Tufts of cilia were recessed within subapical, cuplike depressions on the papi llae of all areas. The proboscideal papillae of G. armigera appear to provide traction for burrowing and may participate in food gathering.