Nymphonidae

Characteristics

Members of Nymphonidae, like all pycnogonids, have a small, often cylindrical body with a proboscis (a snout-like feeding appendage) and four pairs of walking legs. They are typically small, ranging in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters. Nymphonidae are distinguished by their distinctive features such as:

• Proboscis: The proboscis is long and flexible, adapted for piercing and sucking food.
• Chelifores: They possess chelifores, small, pincer-like appendages located near the mouth, used to capture and manipulate food.
• Palps: Nymphonidae have palps, sensory appendages located near the mouth, used for tactile and chemosensory functions.
• Ovipositor: The female Nymphonidae have a long ovipositor, an egg-laying appendage, located on the abdomen. The eggs are carried by the female, attached to the ovipositor.

Habitat

Nymphonidae are primarily found in marine environments, inhabiting a variety of habitats, including:

• Intertidal zones: They can be found among rocks and seaweed in the intertidal zone.
• Subtidal zones: They are also present in deeper subtidal zones, on various substrates such as sand, mud, and coral reefs.
• Open water: Some species of Nymphonidae can be found in the open ocean, drifting with currents.

Diet

Nymphonidae are predatory animals, feeding mainly on small invertebrates, including:

• Hydroids: They often feed on hydroids, a type of cnidarian.
• Bryozoans: Bryozoans, colonial invertebrates, are another common food source.
• Other small invertebrates: They may also prey on other small invertebrates like worms and crustaceans.

References

For more information about Nymphonidae, consult these reliable resources:

• World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS)
• NCBI Taxonomy Browser
• Tree of Life Web Project