The purpose of this work is to provide the means of identifying the 29 species of polychaetous annelids which make up the largest family of scale-worms, the Polynoidae, recorded from the seas around Scotland. To assist the process of identification we have prepared a section with illustrations entitled Examination of Polynoidae, to indicate how specimens should be looked at to ensure diagnostic characters are observed. This is followed by an illustrated key, prepared as the principal source of identification, and descriptions of the species, intended as a supplement to the key.
The illustrations have been prepared by one of the authors, Susan Chambers, but both are responsible for their accuracy.
This work does not provide the means of identifying planktonic species, immature forms or larvae. A similar paper on the three other families of scale-worms, the Sigalionidae, Aphroditidae and Polyodontidae will form Part r of this series.