Victims of Avicularia

Abstract
.The function of the sessile “trap‐door” avicularia of cheilostome bryozoans has been the subject of much speculation but relatively little observation. During studies of reef dwelling cheilostomes, avicularia of this type were seen to capture syllid polychaetes. This diverse group of small predatory worms, commonly found in the same habitats as bryozoan colonies, may be important factors in bryozoan ecology and evolution.