Burrowing behaviour in the European lugworm Arenicola marina (Polychaeta: Arenicolidae)

A detailed analysis is presented of the mechanism of burrowing in Arenicola marina (L.). The following were recorded electronically, using further developments of the techniques introduced by Trueman: movement into the sand, internal pressure at various points in the body, external pressure in the surrounding sand. The results are interpreted in relation to direct visual observation of the burrowing process. The structural and functional specializations of the lugworm for burrowing and the factors concerned in the release and control of burrowing activity, are discussed.