Evidence for shedding of maxillary jaws in eunicid polychates

The internal structure of maxillary jaws in Diopatra cuprea (Bosc) is inconsistent with continuous maxillary growth throughout the life of the worm. Growth is more likely to occur by periodic shedding (or resorption) of the maxillae, followed by complete replacement. Circumstantial evidence is summarized which suggests that periodic replacement of maxillae is typical of eunicoid polychaetes.