Field Guide to Venomous and Medically Important Invertebrates ...

crawl between the boot and sock and feed by penetrating the sock mesh. In such instances the
bite may go unnoticed until the wearer takes off the boot or finds that a "wet" feeling inside the
boot is actually his own blood.
Polychaetes (bristle worms)
Certain free-living marine worms know as fire worms (Class Polychaeta, Hermodice
carrunculata, Eurythoë complanata) have hollow, toxin-filled setae that cause painful stings
when they break human skin. The retractable setae can be extended by the worm when they are
threatened. Reactions to the venom may include a long-lasting burning sensation and associated
inflammation, itching, and numbness, in addition to the possibility of secondary infection. The
burning sensation typically last several hours but can last several days in some cases. Remedies
for the burning include removing the offending setae from the skin using a pair of forceps or
sticky tape, and gently soaking the affected area with isopropyl alcohol, vinegar, or diluted
(10%) ammonia. Topical benzocaine can relieve pain, and antibiotic ointment should be applied
to the wound to minimize the possibility of a secondary infection. Prior to removing the
offending setae, the skin should not be rubbed as this only aggravates the stinging.
Figure 258. Fire worm (Hermodice carunculata). Photo: University of Vienna.
Figure 259. Fire worm (Eurythoe camplanata). Photo: David J. Elliott.
Another group of marine polychaetes do not sting with their setae but they inflict painful bites
with a pair of fangs located at the tip of an eversible proboscis. Worms belonging to this group
include Eunice aphroditois, Onuphis teres, and Glycera spp. The fangs of Glycera spp. are
equipped with venom glands and their bites are reportedly similar to that of a wasp sting.