366 



2. Epimeria parasitica, (M. Sars). 



(PI. 129, fig. 1). 



Amphithoe parasitica, M Sars, Christ. Vid. Selsk. Forh, 1858, p. 131. 

 Syn. : Epimeria cornigera Boeck, (part.) 



Very like the preceding species in its external appearance, but rather 

 inferior in size. Dorsal carina beginning with the antipenultimate segment of 

 mesosome, and having the projections less acute at the tip than in that 

 species; subdorsal keels well denned, and terminating, in each of the segments, 

 the posterior one included, in a distinct dentiform projection. Cephalon nearly 

 as in E. cornigera, except that the postantennal corners are distinctly angular 

 at the tip. Fourth pair of coxal plates very largely developed, having the 

 outer part considerably curved and falciform in shape. Last pair of epimeral 

 plates of metasome rather unlike the preceding pairs, being produced at the 

 lateral corners to a very strong mucroniform projection, posterior edge smooth, 

 without the slightest trace of any angular prominence. Eyes rather large, 

 somewhat triangular in shape, their upper part tapering to an obtuse point, 

 pigment a brilliant carmine. Superior antennae comparatively less elongated 

 than in the type species, 1st joint of the peduncle about the length of the 

 other 2 combined, flagellum scarcely more than twice as long as the peduncle 

 and composed of about 20 articulations. Inferior antennae but little longer 

 than the superior, the last 2 joints of the peduncle about equal-sized, flagel- 

 lum twice the length of the peduncle. Gnathopoda with the propodos about 

 the length of the carpus, and very slightly widening distally. Last pair 

 of pereiopoda with the basal joint nearly as long as the remaining part of 

 the leg. and fully twice as long as it is broad, posterior edge evenly curved 

 in its upper part, infero-posteal corner produced to a triangularly-pointed 

 lobe. Last pair of uropoda with the rami comparatively narrower than in 

 the preceding species and having a smaller number of marginal spinules. 

 Telson oval quadrangular in shape, longer than it is broad, tip slightly insi- 

 nuated in the middle. Colour dark red, more intense at the posterior edges 

 of the segments. Length of adult female scarcely exceeding 9 mm. 



Remarks. The present form was first described by my late father 

 as Amphifhoe parasitica, but was subsequently confounded by Boeck with E. 

 cornigera, to which species, it certainly bears a great resemblance in its 

 general appearance. On a closer examination, it is, however, readily distin- 

 guished from that species, by the rather deviating form of the eyes and of 

 the last pair of epimeral plates of metasome. It, moreover, distinguishes itself 

 by some other structural details mentioned in the above diagnosis, as also 

 by its greatly inferior size. 



