2.1. Animal collection
Juvenile and adult N. succinea Žbody length 10–110 mm. were collected from Flax
Pond, a temperate salt marsh bordering on Long Island Sound, NY ŽUSA., on several
occasions during July–December 1998. Small individuals Ž-25 mm length. were
strained from sediments using a 2-mm sieve, while larger organisms Ž25–110 mm
length. were collected by hand and shovel. Following collection, worms were promptly
transferred to the laboratory and placed into individual containers to prevent aggressive
interactions. Adult worms were maintained in customized feeding chambers, constructed
from two 100-ml polypropylene vials connected by a U-shaped piece of Tygon tubing
Ži.d. 3.2 mm., and a second piece of Tygon tubing serving to equilibrate water level
differences ŽWang et al., 1999; Ahrens et al., 2001..