Nature Atlas

How Nature Works
Sign In
Text size
100%
Theme

Switch Atlas

Taxa

Priapulida

Phylum

Priapulida, sometimes called penis worms, is a phylum of unsegmented marine worms named, via the Greek god of fertility, for the resemblance of their general shape and extensible spiny introvert proboscis to a human penis. They are mostly found in cold, low-oxygen marine sediments, where the introvert is used to burrow and capture prey.

Facts
Taxonomic Rank
Phylum / Division 1
Scientific Name
Priapulida 1
Member Species/Taxa Count
22 1
Geographic Distribution
They live in the mud, except for a few tropical meiobenthic species in medium to coarse sands, from shallow to deep waters, with larger forms restricted to colder environments. 1
Defining Characteristics
They feed on slow-moving invertebrates, such as polychaete worms. 1
Identification
Distinguishing Appearance
Cylindrical worm-like animals, ranging from about 0.2 to 39 centimetres long, with a median anterior mouth devoid of any armature or tentacles. 1
Classification
Living or Extinct
Yes 2
Connections

Parent Taxon Of

Priapulid Worm, Species
Source Priapulida (Wikipedia)
Priapulus Caudatus, Species
Source Wikidata: Priapulus Caudatus
Sources
1. Priapulida (Wikipedia)
Wikipedia
  • Lead section, first sentence
    sometimes referred to as penis worms, is a phylum of unsegmented marine worms.
  • Lead section, third paragraph
    They feed on slow-moving invertebrates, such as polychaete worms.
  • Anatomy section, first paragraph
    Priapulids are cylindrical worm-like animals, ranging from about 0.2 to 39 centimetres (0.08 to 15.35 inches) long, with a median anterior mouth quite devoid of any armature or tentacles.
  • Lead section, second paragraph
    They live in the mud, except for a few tropical meiobenthic species which live in medium- to coarse-grained sands, and are found in comparatively shallow waters to deep waters, with the larger forms like Priapulidae being restricted to colder environments, and smaller forms like Tubiluchus requiring warmer temperatures.
  • Parent Taxon Of: Priapulid Worm, Infobox: taxon
    Priapulida
  • In Group: Minor Animal Phyla, Lead
    Priapulida (priapulid worms, from Gr. πριάπος, priāpos 'Priapus' + Lat.
View the Source
2. Wikidata (taxon extant/extinct status)
Wikimedia Foundation / Wikidata contributorsQ5184, descriptionView the Source
Wikidata: Priapulida
Wikidata Q5184, class allow-list match (w-wdresolver-0926)View the Source
Wikidata: Priapulus Caudatus
Parent Taxon Of: Priapulus Caudatus, Wikidata parent-taxon (P171) chainView the Source
Comments (0)
No comments yet. Be the first to share a thought.
Reader Challenges (0)
No disputes yet. Spotted an error or a better source? Open the first one.