Quillworms and beachworms

The quillworms and beachworms (Family Onuphidae) are a varied group of polychaete worms with well-developed sensory structures on their heads. These structures are responsible for a reputed sense of smell. Some quillworms build tubes that are permanently anchored to the bottom; other species haul theirs along as they crawl upon the substrate. Still others secrete copious amounts of mucus to strengthen their burrows. The reinforcement material chosen and type of tube construction employed is often species specific.