The <i>Diopatra chiliensis</i> confusion—redescription of D. chiliensis (Polychaeta, Onuphidae) and implicated species

Abstract

Diopatra chiliensis Quatrefages, 1865 is redescribed based on the presumed holotype and numerous specimens from Coronel, Chile north to Callao, Peru. The species displays a high degree of variability with respect to prostomial appendages, parapodial structures and setae. Diopatra rhizoicola Hartmann‐Schroder, 1960 and D. heterodentata Hartmann‐Schröder, 1965 from Peru and Chile are considered junior synonyms of D. chiliensis. All available specimens of previous records of D. chiliensis have been re‐examined, most of which are referred to the following species: D. gesae, sp. n., D. kristiani, sp. n., D. obliqua Hartman, 1944 D. rhizophorae Grube, 1856, and D. sugokai Izuka, 1907. Diopatra bilobata Imajima, 1967 was found to be a junior synonym of D. sugokai, widely distributed Indo‐Pacific species. The six species are described and illustrated, and their characteristics are compared in tabular form. A revised onuphid terminology of prostomial and parapodial features is also provided.