Description: This terebellid has a very rounded, soft body which is usually 50-150 mm in length. The body is orange-red, pink or pale brown in colour and covered in white spots. The gills are a bright red, usually also with white spots, while the tentacles are pink or white with chalky rings. The body is divided into around 100 segments, with 17 chaetigers near the head. There is a lobe near the head that forms a collar, bearing visible dark eyespots. There are 3 pairs of branched gills. This worm builds a sandy tube which is attached to the underside stones or shells.

Habitat: Lives in a sandy tube under stones and old shells on soft substrates. Found from low water to around 500 m.

Distribution: Recorded from all around Britain and Ireland, although true distribution currently remains unclear due to previous confusion between Eupolymnia nebulosa and Eupolymnia gili which was only described in 2021.

Similar Species: There are other terebellids, especially Eupolymnia gili, which could be confused with this species. In terebellids the number of lateral lobes, and their shape is important, and specialised guides or keys are available. Detailed examination is required, including inspection of number of ventral shields. Identification made in the field should only be to genus.

Key Identification Features:

• Rounded, soft body 50-150 mm long.
• Orange-red, pink or pale brown with white spots.
• 3 pairs of branched, bright red gills.
• Pink or white tentacles.
• 10 ventral shields.

Distribution Map from NBN: Eupolymnia nebulosa at National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

iNaturalist: Eupolymnia nebulosa at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

GBIF data for Eupolymnia nebulosa

WoRMS: Eupolymnia nebulosa at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Eupolymnia nebulosa (Montagu, 1819). AphiaID: 131489.

Classification: Biota; Animalia; Annelida; Polychaeta; Sedentaria; Canalipalpata; Terebellida; Terebelliformia; Terebellidae; Terebellinae; Procleini; Eupolymnia