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Species

Species - Teredo navalis

Scientific name:
Teredo navalis (Linnaeus 1758)
Common name:
naval shipworm
General description:
Summary Description

Teredo navalis is a bivalve specialised for boring into wood. It has a small shell that is used for burrowing and feeding, with fine ridges used for rasping away wood. Shell valves have three lobes separated by a single groove. The interior of the shell has a long curved process (styloid apophysis). Its body is elongated and protected by calcareous material secreted by the snail. Two siphons at the anterior end of the body protrude into the water for feeding, respiration and excretion. Classification of shipworms is based on siphonal pallets which block the entry to the burrow when conditions are unfavourable - pallets of T. navalis are paddle-shaped. T. navalis can create burrows up to 1m long.
Australian distribution:
Established
Invasion status:

Cryptogenic
Native origin:

Unsure

Teredo navalis is widespread around the world and causes extensive damage to wooden structures in marine envirnments.

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Caption:
Teredo navalis - NIMPIS.

Source:
Copyright Notice: Frank Hecker, (email: Naturfoto.Hecker@t-online.de). Acknowledge: true
Caption:
Teredo navalis diagram & key features. Shell valves with three lobes divided by single grooves. Many fine concentric ridges on shell. Interior with long curved porcess (styloid apophysis). Pallets paddle-shaped.

Source:
Copyright Notice: Diagram adapted from Hayward & Ryland 1996. Acknowledge: true

Last modified: 26 February 2020