DNA-BARCODING TO SOLVE THE TRICKY CASE OF CO-OCCURRING SABELLARIA (ANNELIDA) SPECIES IN THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA

Intraspecific morphological variation of key taxonomic features is probably responsible for frequent misidentification of Sabellaria (Lamarck, 1818) species. This is the case of Sabellaria alcocki Gravier, 1906 whose Mediterranean records probably refer to juveniles of S. spinulosa (Leuckart, 1849). We hereby provide molecular tools (DNA barcoding) to improve correct delimitation of the Mediterranean species of this genus.