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SARA RIGHI

Personale tecnico amministrativo
Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita sede ex-Chimica

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Pubblicazioni

2024 - Optimal growth and feeding behaviour of the valuable bait Halla parthenopeia (Polychaeta: Oenonidae) in small-scale rearing systems [Articolo su rivista]
Ferri, A.; Righi, S.; Prevedelli, D.; Simonini, R.
abstract

2023 - CARATTERI MORFOMETRICI DEL VERME DI FUOCO HERMODICE CARUNCULATA (ANNELIDA): CONFRONTO TRA POPOLAZIONI [Articolo su rivista]
Zanetti, F.; Fai, S.; Fabroni, F.; Simonini, R.; Righi, S.
abstract

We assessed the relationships among allometric traits (body length, weight, and number of chaetigers) in Hermodice carunculata specimens from Porto Cesareo (Ionian Sea) and Tropea (Tyrrhenian Sea). Regression analyses evidenced that, with a given length, specimens from Porto Cesareo are heavier than those from Tropea. This result may be explained by the lack of small-sized worms in the samples, which are hard to observe on the filed, or to local adaptation/differentiation.

2023 - Emergenze ambientali e “Citizen Science”: come la contaminazione da microplastiche viene percepita da studenti UNIMORE [Articolo su rivista]
Righi, Sara; Bergami, Elisa; Simonini, Roberto; Prevedelli, Daniela
abstract

Environmental emergencies and “Citizen Science”: how university students perceive pollution by microplastics. Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) pollution is one of the most important environmental emergencies. Since microplastics have an anthropogenic origin, it is of interest to evaluate how much “citizens” are aware of the problem and mainly if they are aware of how daily activities can affect the release of microplastics into the environment. In this study, citizens are represented by students from Modena and Reggio Emilia University (Italy), who were enrolled in undergraduate programmes with a scientific focus. The level of perception in the student population of the problem of microplastics, together with the differences between students from different undergraduate programmes (students enrolled in Natural Sciences and Biological Sciences vs. other courses with a scientific focus), was measured by means of a questionnaire of 30 questions. The researchers of the Department of Life Sciences of our University developed this questionnaire. Overall, 220 students completed the questionnaire on a voluntary basis: 146 were enrolled in undergraduate programmes in Biological Sciences and Natural Sciences and 74 in Biotechnology, Mathematics, Computer Science and Geology. The results have shown that there were no differences in knowledge and attitudes between gender and the undergraduate courses attended. Students seem to be aware of the distribution and effects of MNPs on ecosystems but are less informed about the nature and effects that MNPs could have on human health. Thus, good knowledge does not always translate into actions planned to mitigate the problem. As a first step forward, environmental education programmes should be promoted to increase knowledge and awareness of how the massive use of plastic affects ecosystems and humans, and what behaviours should be pursued in future mitigation strategies.

2023 - PRESENZA DI UN COMPOSTO INFIAMMATORIO CORRELATO ALLA COMPLANINA NEL VERME DI FUOCO HERMODICE CARUNCULATA (ANNELIDA) [Articolo su rivista]
Ferrari, V.; Simonini, R.; Prevedelli, D.; Righi, S.
abstract

Despite several publications have dealt with natural products from specific marine invertebrate groups, such as nudibranchs, cnidarians and sponges, describing their structure and biological activity, some groups of organisms remain poorly studied, including marine annelids. Isolation and characterization of chemical substances from polychaetes have just started out. Furthermore, chemical and ecological investigations not always are brought forward together. In this study, the inflammatory compound complanine was detected in the fireworm Hermodice carunculata through spectrometric analyses. An analogue of this molecule was found both in the dorsal chaetae directly involved in defence against predators, in the digestive apparatus and in exposed palatable tissues. These findings support a synergy between the stinging and fragile notochaetae and complanine-related compounds, that needs to be injected through mechanical injury to display its effects.

2023 - Tracing Airborne Microplastics in Modena: results from the MicroTRACES project [Abstract in Atti di Convegno]
Veratti, Giorgio; Bigi, Alessandro; Teggi, Sergio; Ferrari, Valentina; Scaramelli, Marco; Righi, Sara; Simonini, Roberto; Prevedelli, Daniela; Bergami, Elisa; Ghermandi, Grazia
abstract

2022 - NEW SECONDARY METABOLITES IN THE AMPHINOMID FIREWORM HERMODICE CARUNCULATA [Abstract in Atti di Convegno]
Mucci, A.; Forti, L.; Simonini, R.; Ferrari, V.; Prevedelli, D.; Righi, S.
abstract

Eight betaine-derived novel compounds were found in extracts of the Mediterranean stinging fireworm Hermodice carunculata. The identification of their structures relies on 1D and 2D NMR and HPLC-ESI/HRMS spectra (Fig. 1). Two types of terminal amine portions and a series of different alkyl chains were identified. Their matching provides the structures of uncharacterized secondary metabolites, named “carunculines”, and their related isomers. These molecules differ from already known trimethylammonium inflammatory compounds (i.e. “complanines”) isolated from another amphinomid species, for the structures of the terminal ammonium groups [1]. Carunculine anatomical distribution within H. carunculata was assessed by screening through HPLC-ESI/HRMS: their occurrence was revealed in all the body parts analyzed, both involved in predator-prey interactions [2], and mainly in the digestive apparatus. The results achieved reveal an array of different novel compounds from a chemically unknown species, improving knowledge on Marine Animal Products with chemical and biological potential for bioprospection. Overall, these data reinforce the necessity of studying poorly-investigated taxa to expand knowledge on animal venom biology, their mechanisms of action and exploitation as promising source of drug molecules.

2022 - NEW SECONDARY METABOLITES IN THE AMPHINOMID FIREWORM HERMODICE CARUNCULATA [Poster]
Mucci, A.; Forti, L.; Simonini, R.; Ferrari, V.; Prevedelli, D.; Righi, S.
abstract

Eight betaine-derived novel compounds were found in extracts of the Mediterranean stinging fireworm Hermodice carunculata. The identification of their structures relies on 1D and 2D NMR (Fig. 1-3) and HPLC-ESI/HRMS spectra. Two types of terminal ammonium portions A and B and a series of different alkyl chains were identified (Fig. 4a,b). Their matching provides the structures of uncharacterized secondary metabolites, named carunculines, and their related isomers. These molecules differ from already known trimethylammonium inflammatory compounds (i.e. complanines) isolated from another amphinomid species, for the structures of the terminal ammonium groups (Fig. 4c) [1]. Carunculine anatomical distribution within H. carunculata was assessed by screening through HPLC-ESI/HRMS (Fig. 5, Table 1): their occurrence was revealed in all the body parts analyzed, both involved in predator-prey interactions [2], and mainly in the digestive apparatus. The results achieved reveal an array of different novel compounds from a chemically unknown species, improving knowledge on Marine Animal Products with chemical and biological potential for bioprospection [3]. Overall, these data reinforce the necessity of studying poorly-investigated taxa to expand knowledge on animal venom biology, their mechanisms of action and exploitation as promising source of drug molecules

2022 - Novel Natural Compounds and Their Anatomical Distribution in the Stinging Fireworm Hermodice carunculata (Annelida) [Articolo su rivista]
Righi, Sara; Forti, Luca; Simonini, Roberto; Ferrari, Valentina; Prevedelli, Daniela; Mucci, Adele
abstract

Increasing evidence in the field of bioprospection fosters the necessity of studying poorly investigated poisonous marine invertebrates to expand knowledge on animal venom biology. Among marine annelids, amphinomid fireworms are notorious for their bearded trunk equipped with a powerful stinging capacity. Here, a methodological workflow based on analytical chemistry techniques (compound isolation followed by mass spectrometry and spectroscopy analyses) was applied to gain new insights, leading to the identification and structural elucidation of an array of natural products from Mediterranean specimens of Hermodice carunculata. Eight betaine-derived unprecedented compounds, named "carunculines", were detected, bearing two terminal ammonium groups tri-and disubstituted at the Cα (A, B) and a series of different alkyl chains (I-VIII). The mixture of chemicals was found in all the body parts of H. carunculata, supporting a mechanism of action triggered by their vehiculation inside the dorsal chaetae, and subsequent injection when chaetae break off on contact. Preliminary investigations to understand adaptive features were also performed, showing a trend in carunculine abundance that fits into the evolutionary history of these worms. These findings shed light on the chemical ecology of amphinomids, giving reasons for the success of H. carunculata in benthic environments and providing promising novel metabolites for biotechnological implications.

2021 - Development and catch efficiency of an attracting device to collect and monitor the invasive fireworm Hermodice carunculata in the Mediterranean Sea [Articolo su rivista]
Simonini, R.; Righi, S.; Zanetti, F.; Fai, S.; Prevedelli, D.
abstract

The fireworm Hermodice carunculata (Annelida) is emerging as a native invader and a neonative species in the Central Mediterranean basins. Its ongoing areal expansion has probably been triggered and pursued by the climate alterations which are affecting the Mediterranean environments and biota. However, increased H. carunculata abundance and distribution may be miscalculated and underestimated due to the lack of effective tools for collection and monitoring. Indeed, fireworms spend most of the daytime in crevices and holes, making it impossible to obtain reliable data in underwater surveys. In this study, traps were developed to provide suitable shelter and food to fireworms, and their effectiveness and specificity were assessed by testing different immersion times, environmental conditions and types of bait. Pierced plastic baskets adapted for fireworm capture proved to be extremely easy to set up, reproducible, cheap, and highly specific. The devices were used at 11 sites located along the Ionian Apulian coast (Italy). They proved to be suitable and effective: more than 90% of the traps baited with raw fish succeeded in capturing H. carunculata specimens, with an average of 8-9 fireworms captured per trap. The traps were deployed at a depth range of 1.5-9 m with immersion times of up to 4 h, and even large sized fireworms (> 32 cm in length) were caught. These attracting devices could be successful in different forthcoming challenges, allowing the collection of a great number of fireworms to investigate their impact on rocky bottom communities, distribution, and potential for bioprospecting. Besides, the cheapness and ease of use of the traps also make them suitable for Citizen Science studies and sampling campaigns aiming at characterizing the expanding populations. Future applications will be critical to improve deployment success and test user friendliness.

2021 - Needs and gaps in optical underwater technologies and methods for the investigation of marine animal forest 3D-structural complexity [Articolo su rivista]
Rossi, Paolo; Ponti, Massimo; Righi, Sara; Castagnetti, Cristina; Simonini, Roberto; Mancini, Francesco; Agrafiotis, Panagiotis; Bassani, Leonardo; Bruno, Fabio; Cerrano, Carlo; Cignoni, Paolo; Corsini, Massimiliano; Drap, Pierre; Dubbini, Marco; Garrabou, Joaquim; Gori, Andrea; Gracias, Nuno; Ledoux, Jean-Baptiste; Linares, Cristina; Pulido Mantas, Torcuato; Menna, Fabio; Nocerino, Erica; Palma, Marco; Pavoni, Gaia; Ridolfi, Alessandro; Rossi, Sergio; Skarlatos, Dimitrios; Treibitz, Tali; Turicchia, Eva; Yuval, Matan; Capra, Alessandro
abstract

Marine animal forests are benthic communities dominated by sessile suspension feeders (such as sponges, corals, and bivalves) able to generate three-dimensional (3D) frameworks with high structural complexity. The biodiversity and functioning of marine animal forests are strictly related to their 3D complexity. The present paper aims at providing new perspectives in underwater optical surveys. Starting from the current gaps in data collection and analysis that critically limit the study and conservation of marine animal forests, we discuss the main technological and methodological needs for the investigation of their 3D structural complexity at different spatial and temporal scales. Despite recent technological advances, it seems that several issues in data acquisition and processing need to be solved, to properly map the different benthic habitats in which marine animal forests are present, their health status and to measure structural complexity. Proper precision and accuracy should be chosen and assured in relation to the biological and ecological processes investigated. Besides, standardized methods and protocols are strictly necessary to meet the FAIR (findability, accessibility, interoperability, and reusability) data principles for the stewardship of habitat mapping and biodiversity, biomass, and growth data.

2021 - Response to Tilic and Bartolomaeus's Commentary on the original Research Paper “Unravelling the ultrastructure and mineralogical composition of fireworm stinging bristles” (Zoology, 144) [Articolo su rivista]
Righi, S.; Savioli, M.; Prevedelli, D.; Simonini, R.; Malferrari, D.
abstract

In their Commentary to our paper recently published in Zoology (Righi et al., 2021a), Tilic and Bartolomaeus question our findings that the chaetae of Hermodice carunculata (Annelida) are hollow and able to store and deliver venoms. They sustain the idea that inflammatory chemicals are secreted through epidermal glands and possibly exposed to predator trough wounds caused by the brittle chaetae. We provide evidence-based arguments in support of our considerations. The sample preparation procedures did not affect the native inner structure of unfixed fireworm chaetae, which is clearly hollow as supported by both ultrastructure observation and crystal-chemical analysis of constituents. Furthermore, our previous and more recent feeding bioassays and chemical analysis indicate both that chaetae retain strong deterrent capacities even when isolated from the body of H. carunculata, and that they contain venoms. The cellular mechanisms involved in fireworm chaeta storage and deliver of chemicals are still unstudied. We strongly believe that this lack of knowledge should draw further attention on H. carunculata biology, pursuing new hypotheses and studies based on the noteworthy information which has been obtained so far.

2021 - Synergy between mechanical injury and toxins triggers the urticating system of marine fireworms [Articolo su rivista]
Simonini, Roberto; Maggioni, Federica; Zanetti, Federica; Fai, Sergio; Forti, Luca; Prevedelli, Daniela; Righi, Sara
abstract

Marine fireworms (Annelida, Amphinomidae) are notorious for their stinging dorsal bristles (notochaetae). In the large-size species Hermodice carunculata, characterized by invasive potential and great predatory ability, notochaetae deter consumers and damage prey. The origin of fireworm defensive and offensive capacities, the mechanism of action of the stinging chaetae, and whether other chemical defenses occur are still uncertain. In the present study, we tested if the urticating system of fireworms is the result of a synergy between mechanical injury, due to notochaetae penetration, and the release of toxins vehiculated. To determine whether and where chemical or structural deterrents were present, different body parts of H. carunculata involved in inter-specific interactions were assayed (i.e. dorsal body wall, gills, dorsal and ventral parapodia). Feeding bioassays were performed to assess palatability against a …

2021 - Unravelling the ultrastructure and mineralogical composition of fireworm stinging bristles [Articolo su rivista]
Righi, S.; Savioli, M.; Prevedelli, D.; Simonini, R.; Malferrari, D.
abstract

Amphinomid fireworms are notorious for their stinging dorsal bristles (notochaetae), but it is still unclear whether the irritation they cause is merely mechanical or if the notochaetae contain toxins. Furthermore, although fireworm chaetae have always been described as calcareous, their composition has never been investigated to date and strong debates are ongoing on their internal structure. Unravelling the native ultrastructure and composition of fireworm chaetae is the first crucial step to assess whether the hypothesis of toxin vehiculation could be fully considered. We examined for the first time the chemical and mineralogical composition, the ultrastructure and the external structure of the dorsal and ventral chaetae of the large species Hermodice carunculata. All the measurements were carried out on samples prepared without the use of chemical reagents, except for those targeted to investigate if decalcification altered the ultrastructure of the chaetae. A crystal-chemical strategy, combining chemical, diffraction and thermal analyses clearly showed the occurrence of crystalline calcium carbonate and clusters of phosphatic amorphous material. Scanning electron micrographs and energy dispersive X-ray measurements showed that the dorsal chaetae have an extremely shallow insertion point in the body respect to the ventral chaetae, that could facilitate the release of the notochaetae in the environment. Their proximal part is characterized by canals with a hexagonal pattern rich in Ca and P, followed by a large cavity upwards. The harpoon-shaped ends and the central canals of the notochaetae completely disappeared after exposure to EDTA. The notochaetae are hollow and may be able to vehicle toxins. The absence of the honeycomb pattern in the distal part of the notochaetae and their slenderness probably contribute to their brittleness and high sensitivity to breakage on contact. These observations constitute keystone understandings to shed light on fireworm defensive and offensive capacities and their ecological success.

2020 - A Chemical and Ecological Approach Sheds Light on the Urticating System of Marine Fireworms [Abstract in Atti di Convegno]
Righi, Sara; Savioli, Martina; Forti, Luca; Prevedelli, Daniela; Simonini, Roberto
abstract

Marine fireworms (Annelida, Amphinomidae) hold stinging dorsal bristles (chaetae) that cause injuries to divers and bathers. Hermodice carunculata is the most notorious species and it has recently attracted interest as a potentially invasive fireworm with few predators and uncharacterized defensive capacities. To date, the only acute inflammation inducer isolated from an amphinomid is “complanine”, a trimethylammonium compound. The main goal of this study was to promote an ecological understanding of H. carunculata defences through a multidisciplinary approach. The occurrence of complanine within tissues and its mode of delivery were assessed combining chromatographic steps and high resolution LC-MS/MS. The exact mass and retention time of complanine were detected in the extracts of the main ectodermal (dorsal body wall, gills, dorsal chaetae, ventral chaetae) and endodermal (gut, pharynx) tissues of H. carunculata. The role of complanine in trophic interactions was assessed offering the ectodermal tissues towards a predator (the fish Chromis viridis) and two relevant prey species (the anemones Anemonia viridis and Aiptasia diaphana). Only the dorsal chaetae were effective against predators and prey: they strongly deterred fishes and induced paralysis in the anemone tentacles. Dorsal chaetae treated with organic solvents lost their deterrence against fish predators and an inner hollow cavity suitable to vehicle toxins could be viewed by ESEM. These findings support a synergy between the mechanical injury of dorsal chaetae penetration and the release of complanine. This unique feature could support the success of fireworms in marine benthic environments and significantly improves knowledge on the chemical ecology of amphinomids.

2020 - Accrescimento di esemplari del verme di fuoco Hermodice carunculata (Annelida) in condizioni di laboratorio [Articolo su rivista]
Simonini, Roberto; Prevedelli, Daniela; Righi, Sara; Maletti, Isabella
abstract

Laboratory feeding and growth of the bearded fireworm Hermodice carunculata. The bearded fireworm Hermodice carunculata is a generalist predator and saprophagous polychaete that may cause ecological and economic damage to Mediterranean rocky coastal environments. Small-sized specimens of H. carunculata, belonging to a model population from Salento (Apulia, southern Italy), were maintained in the laboratory and fed ad libitum with unfrozen cod for over ten months to provide useful information on the study of fireworm population dynamics. These specimens reached and overcame the typical mean size of wild specimens after 7-9 months. This finding suggests that the species could be relatively long-lived: it has been estimated that the lifespan of the biggest individuals could reach 3 years. All the specimens survived and grew, but none reached sexual maturity. In addition, the animals lost their initial bright coloration. These results support the need for further improving laboratory diet and maintenance conditions to pursue long-term studies on fireworm biology.

2020 - Ecology, distribution and expansion of a Mediterranean native invader, the fireworm Hermodice carunculata (Annelida) [Articolo su rivista]
Righi, S.; Prevedelli, D.; Simonini, R.
abstract

Global change and the overall rise in seawater temperature are causing a poleward shift in species distribution, increasing the occurrence of warm-water biota in many ecosystems worldwide. In the Mediterranean, the ongoing sea warming is promoting native subtropical species to invader status. The bearded fireworm Hermodice carunculata (Amphinomida) is a thermophilic generalist predator spreading in the Central Mediterranean Sea. Although it is a typical inhabitant of Ionian coasts, several sightings have occurred at more northerly localities along the Tyrrhenian and Adriatic Seas, suggesting that density increases and range expansion are underway. These distributional records are in contrast with historical literature and museum collections, which provide poor sporadic information. The present study aimed at investigating the spatiotemporal changes that have occurred in H. carunculata abundances and distribution in the Mediterranean basins surrounding the Italian peninsula so far. We examined an exhaustive collection of existing information. A total of 857 reports of H. carunculata were collected from 368 localities. These data significantly expand knowledge on the life and feeding habits of H. carunculata. The integration of different data sources allowed the reconstruction of the shifts that have happened over the last 50 years, which are coherent with the consistent warming trend of Mediterranean Sea surface temperatures. Recent colonization events have occurred both along the Adriatic and Western Mediterranean coasts. The present findings provide unique insights into the expansion of H. carunculata, supporting future spreading throughout the Northern and Western Mediterranean. Tracking these changes is critical to assess potential impacts on coastal rocky-benthic communities, public health and commercial fisheries.

2019 - Ecotoxicity of hallachrome, an unusual 1-2 anthraquinone excreted by the infaunal polychaete Halla parthenopeia: evidence for a chemical defence? [Articolo su rivista]
Simonini, R; Iori, D; Forti, L; Righi, S; Prevedelli, D
abstract

Polychaetes play a prominent role in marine systems, but little is known about their secondary metabolites compared with other benthic taxa. In the present study, we investigated the toxicity of hallachrome, an unusual 1-2 anthraquinone identified from the skin of some polychaetes, including the Mediterranean infaunal species Halla parthenopeia. Under stress conditions, this worm releases a harmful purple mucus, whose noxious compounds were still unknown. We hypothesized that hallachrome also occurs in the purple mucus, giving rise to its color and toxicity. Soon after the production of the purple exudate, H. parthenopeia also secretes a harmless, transparent mucus, which pushes away the toxic one, suggesting protective functions for the worm itself. LC-MS and H-1-NMR analyses confirmed the presence of the pigment hallachrome in the purple mucus. The average concentration of the pigment in the purple mucus was about 310 mg L-1. Ecotoxicological bioassays on representative species of bacteria, protozoans, rotifers, crustaceans (Artemia franciscana) and polychaetes (Dinophilus gyrociliatus) revealed its severe toxic effects: LC50/EC(50)values ranged from 0.11-5.67 mg L-1. Hallachrome showed higher toxicity for A. franciscana than other naturally occurring anthraquinones. Tests on encapsulated embryos of D. gyrociliatus evidenced the ability of a mucus layer to limit hallachrome diffusion, confirming the protective role of the transparent mucus. Given the information available on polychaetes anti-predator strategies, hallachrome cannot be considered a consumer deterrent. However its toxicity and wide range of activity suggest chemical defensive functions against potential competitors, parasites and/or pathogens.

2019 - Esemplari mediterranei del verme di fuoco Hermodice carunculata (Annelida) catalogati nelle raccolte zoologiche di musei europei [Articolo su rivista]
Simonini, Roberto; Prevedelli, Daniela; Righi, Sara
abstract

L’espansione delle popolazioni del verme di fuoco Hermodice carunculata (Annelida: Amphinomidae) potrebbe influenzare gli ecosistemi costieri a fondo roccioso, ma le conoscenze attuali sulla distribuzione di questa specie in Mediterraneo sono scarse. In questo lavoro sono stati censiti gli esemplari di H. carunculata raccolti nel Mar Mediterraneo presenti nei cataloghi di musei italiani e esteri, con l’obiettivo di ottenere una prima ricostruzione dell’areale storico della specie. I campioni più antichi risalgono al XIX secolo e sono depositati presso i musei di Storia Naturale di Berlino, Parigi e Vienna. Questi esemplari erano originari di Sicilia, Grecia e Vicino Oriente, tutte zone che anche oggi ospitano dense popolazioni di vermi di fuoco. I campioni conservati presso il Museo della Stazione Zoologica “Anton Dohrn”, raccolti a cavallo del XX secolo nel Golfo di Napoli, permettono di fissare il limite settentrionale delle specie nel Mare Tirreno. Le informazioni dedotte dalle collezioni museali, insieme a ricerche bibliografiche, questionari, monitoraggi e analisi molecolari permetteranno di studiare la biogeografia di H. carunculata e di evidenziare o prevedere potenziali spostamenti verso i poli in risposta al riscaldamento del Mediterraneo.

2019 - Morphometric and molecular characterization of an expanding Ionian population of the fireworm Hermodice carunculata (Annelida) [Articolo su rivista]
Righi, S.; Maletti, I.; Maltagliati, F.; Castelli, A.; Barbieri, M.; Fai, S.; Prevedelli, D.; Simonini, R.
abstract

The amphinomid fireworm Hermodice carunculata is a potentially invasive species reported throughout the subtropical Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, which is known as a generalist predator and opportunistic feeder. The ongoing climate changes and seawater warming may favour fireworm poleward range expansions and density increases. Our results provide the first investigation into a population which has purportedly been spreading widely in the Salento Peninsula (Apulia, Italy). The specimens were analysed using allometric variables and molecular markers. The best morphometric parameters to estimate individual size were determined as key information for future studies on fireworm population dynamics. To phylogeographically characterize the Apulian population, sequences of the mitochondrial COI and 16S rDNA regions were obtained from a pool of individuals and treated together with those of Atlantic specimens retrieved from GenBank. The estimates of genetic variability for Apulian population were consistent with those recently reported in the literature. Inferences on demographic history analysis confirmed a recent expansion event in Apulia, as has been recounted by fishermen and scuba divers during recent years. Overall, these results constitute a crucial step in the characterization of present-day H. carunculata populations, and provide greater insight into fireworm population ecology.

2018 - Caratteri morfometrici di una popolazione ionica del verme di fuoco Hermodice carunculata (Annelida, Amphinomidae) [Articolo su rivista]
Righi, S.; Maletti, I.; Simonini, R.; Fai, S.; Tessari, V.; Prevedelli, D.
abstract

We measured different allometric traits (body length, weight, number of segments and width) of bearded fireworms (Hermodice carunculata) from Porto Cesareo (LE). Correlation and regression analyses suggested the existence of significant and statistically positive relationships among traits. A few studies have dealt with Mediterranean fireworm biology and these results are important contributions to investigate fireworm population dynamic.

2018 - Laboratory observations on predator–prey interactions between the bearded fireworm (Hermodice carunculata) and Mediterranean benthic invertebrates [Articolo su rivista]
Simonini, Roberto; Maletti, Isabella; Righi, Sara; Fai, Sergio; Prevedelli, Daniela
abstract

The bearded fireworm (Hermodice carunculata) is an amphinomid polychaete with a circumtropical Atlantic-Mediterranean distribution. In the Mediterranean Sea, very little information is available on its feeding habits and ecological functions. Here, its increasing abundance and the ability to actively prey on a keystone sea urchin species suggest potential repercussions for the structure and functioning of benthic communities. We performed laboratory feeding experiments to investigate interactions between Mediterranean H. carunculata and 12 species of sessile or sedentary invertebrates. H. carunculata preyed efficiently on 9 of the species offered. In particular, active predation of a polychaete upon nudibranchs, colonial ascidians and chitons was reported for the first time. Fireworms’ predatory ability may be due to a combination of several ‘weapons’ (large size, motility, stinging chaetae and eversible, sucking pharynx) which seems to be unique among marine worms, and could enable H. carunculata to persist also after radical changes in prey community composition and withstand selective pressures associated with ongoing environmental changes.

2017 - PREDAZIONE ATTIVA DI HERMODICE CARUNCULATA (ANNELIDA) SU PARACENTROTUS LIVIDUS (ECHINOIDEA) [Articolo su rivista]
Righi, Sara; Fai, S.; Maletti, I.; Simonini, R.; Prevedelli, D.
abstract

Fieldwork and laboratory observations evidenced the ability of the polychaete Hermodice carunculata to actively prey on the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus, turning it upside down and penetrating inside the test through ingestion of the Aristotle’s lantern. A relationship between sea urchins size and frequency of predation events seems to occur. Further researches should be necessary to determine potential effects of H. carunculata on sea urchin at the level of population

2017 - Predazione di Hermodice carunculata (Annelida: Amphinomidae) su esacoralli (Anthozoa) [Articolo su rivista]
Maletti, I.; Simonini, R.; Righi, S.; Fai, S.; Prevedelli, D.
abstract

The ability of the polychaete Hermodice carunculata to prey on some species of hexacorals was assessed through laboratory feeding experiments. Soft corals and sea anemones were almost completely consumed, while the carbonatic skeleton of hard corals seems to discourage polychaetes from consumption. The results highlighted the capacity of Mediterranean H. carunculata to prey on a wide range of anthozoans.