Hello Bryony,
Not sure if this will be much help. First Michel Bhaud is very expert in id from plankton, but perhaps such a problem these days could be tackled molecularly? Is there any data in GenBank? However, noting David Kirtley thought there might be "more than one definable species" under the name 'spinulosa'.
I imagine you have reviewed the lit specifically on development of the species (DP Wilson, et al), but anyway for general European plankton this paper is good if you have not seen it:
Bhaud, M.; Cazaux, C. (1987). Description and identification of polychaete larvae, their implications in current biological problems. Oceanis. 13(6): 595-753.
And I wonder if Gunnar Thorson covered that species (haven't got my copy handy) in his magnum opus?
Thorson, G. (1946). Reproduction and Larval Development of Danish Marine Bottom Invertebrates, with Special Reference to the Planktonic Larvae in the Sound (Oresund). Meddlelser fra Kommissionen for Danmarks Fiskeri-og Havundersogelser,Serie Plankton 4(1): 1-523.
Good luck,
Geoff Read
>>> On 3/03/2009 at 11:35 p.m., Bryony Pearce <bryony from seasurvey.co.uk> wrote:
> Dear All,
>> I am undertaking some research investigating the reproductive cycle of
> the polychaete Sabellaria spinulosa and as part of this I have been
> collecting larval samples offshore. We have identified a number of
> metatrocaphore larvae which we think may be /Sabellaria spinulosa/ but
> are having difficulty confirming the ID. Does anyone know of anyone with
> expertise in this field that might perhaps be able to provide expert
> verification? Unfortunately most of the scientists I know of that have
> worked with /S. spinulosa/ larvae are dead. Any help would be greatly
> appreciated.
>> Best Regards
> Bryony
--
Geoff Read <g.read from niwa.co.nz>
http://www.annelida.net/http://www.niwascience.co.nz/ncabb/
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