The Genus Nereis L., 1758 (Polychaeta, Nereididae): State of the art for identification of mediterranean species

The Genus Nereis L., 1758 (Polychaeta, Nereididae): State of the Art for Identification of Mediterranean Species. The existence of critical problems in the identification of species within the genus Nereis L., 1758 (Annelida Polychaeta: Nereididae) has led to several misidentifications within Mediterranean taxa. In the present paper we report a discussion on the Mediterranean species, with a re-examination of specimens collected along the Italian coasts. A redescription of each species is provided, pinpointing the diagnostic characters with detailed figures for easy identification. Old and recent synonymies are also discussed and a key for identification is provided