The Collaborative International Dictionary
Palolo worm
Palolo \Pa*lo"lo\, n., or Palolo worm \Palolo worm\ . [From native name.] (Zo["o]l.) A polystome worm ( Palolo viridis) that burrows in the coral reefs of certain of the Pacific Islands. A little before the last quarter of the moon in October and November, they swarm in vast numbers at the surface of the sea for breeding, and are gathered and highly esteemed as food by the natives. An allied species inhabits the tropical Atlantic and swarms in June or July.
Note: In the 1890 Webster, called palola and Palola viridis. A misspelling?
Wikipedia
Palolo worm
The palolo worm or Samoan palolo worm (Palola viridis) is a Polychaeta species from the waters of the Pacific islands around Samoa.