Mouthpart from a naval ship worm (Teredo navalis), X-ray

Digitally coloured high magnification X-ray of the upper mouthpart of a ship worm (Teredo navalis). Teredo navalis is a worm-like marine bivalve mollusc specialised for wood boring. A pair of these mouthparts operates in opposition at one end of the mollusc to drill their way into and through timber. The array of teeth and small pieces of timber debris are visible here. Teredo navalis is the most common and destructive ship worm, causing permanent damage to wooden structures such as drift wood, boat hulls and piers. The mouthpart measures approximately 3 mm x 4 mm.