摘要：Data from several research and monitoring projects carried out between 1999 and 2009, for a total of 26 study areas located along the Italian continental shelf (Mediterranean Sea), were extracted from ISPRA's data set, to revise and update the existing information on the ecology and spatial distribution of 20 selected soft-sediment polychaete species. The species were selected taking into account their spatial distribution and ecological role in the benthic assemblages and the existence of voucher specimens deposited in ISPRA's reference collection. Samplings were taken at 872 stations on soft sediments, at depths ranging from 1 to 155 m. Surface sediment composition data were available at each site. The number of specimens from the selected species was extracted at each site, and relative abundance (%)calculated. The spatial distribution of each species was investigated according to the biogeographical zones identified in the Italian Seas. The distribution of five species (Aponuphis bilineata, A. brementi, A. fauveli, Nothria conchylega, and Onuphis eremita) was updated. Several species that were previously considered to be characteristic of a specific biocenosis, sensu Pérès & Picard (1964 Pérès, JM and Picard, J. 1964. Nouveau manuel de bionomie benthique de la Mer Méditérranée. Recueil des travaux de la Station Marine d'Endoume, 31: 137 [Google Scholar]), e.g. Diopatra neapolitana, Ditrupa arietina, Notria conchylega and Sternaspis scutata, were found to be distributed over a wider bathymetric and granulometric range of surface sediments. Indicator Species Analysis highlights that the distribution of 17 selected species depends on definite granulometric characteristics of the sediment. This new relevant information outlines the important contribution of environmental monitoring programmes to scientific knowledge.
