Fine structure of eyespots in tornarian larvae (Phylum: Hemichordata)

Summary The eyespots of tornariae of enteropneusts (Ptychodera flava from Hawaiian waters and an unknown species from southern California) were studied by electron microscopy. An ocellus is composed of two types of cells: sensory and supportive. The former is characterized by a bulbous cilium (with 9+2 axoneme) at its distal end, one or sometimes two arrays of microvilli from its sides below the cilium, and a basal axon. The latter features large, clear vesicles which presumably contained the reddish-orange pigment seen in the ocellus of a living larva. Five-day old tornariae of P. flava are positively phototactic. Both cilium and microvilli may function as photoreceptors. The tornarian ocellus studied is compared with eyespots of other invertebrates, and the evolutionary significance of its putative photoreceptors is discussed.We acknowledge the kind assistance of Drs. Michael G. Hadfield, University of Hawaii, and Russel L. Zimmer, Santa Catalina Marine Biological Laboratory, and the support of grant 10292 from the USPHS.