A story of Neomicrorbis: a widely distributed bathyal serpulid long hidden in museum collections

• DOI: 10.1007/s12526-025-01517-0
• Publication Date: 2025-05-02T13:40:30Z
• Authors: Elena Kupriyanova; J. Rolando Bastid...; Ekin Tilic
• Keywords: Bathyal zone

Abstract Neomicrorbis Rovereto, 1903 is a serpulid taxon well represented in the Cretaceous and Tertiary fossil records described as bathyal extant species azoricus Zibrowius, 1972. This enigmatic of uncertain taxonomic affinities exhibits morphology intermediate between serpulids sensu stricto (Serpulinae Filograninae) Spirorbinae. Only recently phylogenetic placement these unique has been clarified, unequivocally positioning them sister group to all other Despite this advancement, most aspects their biology, distribution, even remain largely unexplored. We provide detailed morphological descriptions specimens from Azores (type locality) Atlantic, Indian Pacific Oceans, using both long-hidden material museum collections collected specimens. study enhances original description N. , which was based on single, poorly preserved juvenile specimen, by offering comprehensive overview species’ morphology. Our analysis utilizes advanced imaging techniques such scanning electron microscopy, microCT, 3D visualization. Contrast-enhanced microCT proven exceptionally valuable for non-invasive visualization worms within calcareous tubes. method shows great promise studying natural history collections. findings reveal remarkable consistency across geographically remote regions, suggesting wide distribution species. However, molecular data are currently limited Ocean. Further genetic studies necessary fully understand population structure diversity its range.