The genus Chrysopetalum Ehlers, 1864 (Annelida: polychaeta: Chrysopetalidae) in the Pacific coast of Panama

The family Chrysopetalidae is represented in the Pacific coast of Panama by three genera: Bhawania Schmarda, 1961, Paleanotus Schmarda, 1961 and Chrysopetalum Ehlers, 1864. Up to now, the latter genus was represented by a single species, Chrysopetalum occidentale Johnson, 1897. During a study carried out at the National Park of Coiba (Pacific coast of Panama), three species of this genus were found: C. occidentale and two new species: C. elegantoides n. sp. and C. maculata n. sp. In this paper the two new species are described and a key for identification is provided. Chrysopetalum elegantoides closely resembles the descriptions of C. elegans Bush, 1900 and C. ehlersi Gravier, 1901. The paleae and neurosetae are very similar to those of C. elegans, but specimens from Coiba lack interramal glands like C. ehlersi. Chrysopetalum elegantoides differs from C. ehlersi principally in the tips of paleae and the length of the blades of the neurosetae. Chrysopetalum maculata differs from all others within the genus in having a wide body and broad paleae and in the lack of spines. The most similar species is C. heteropalea Perkins, 1985; both species lack spines (sensu Perkins) and have several symmetrical paleae; but the paleae of the C. maculata are ornamented with knobs, lacking the transverse ridges that are typical of C. heteropalea. The presence of C. occidentale in the area is verified.