178 



96. Hermannella prehensilis, G. O. Sars, n. sp. 



(PI. C). 



Specific Characters. Female. Body rather slender, resembling some- 

 what in shape that of H. parva, though having the anterior division less 

 expanded, with the greatest width in front of the middle. Last segment of 

 trunk rather narrow and exhibiting on each side, inside the insertion of the 

 free joint of last pair of legs, a small dentiform projection. Tail about half 

 the length of the anterior division; genital segment somewhat fusiform in 

 shape, being pronouncedly dilated in the middle, and shorter than the 3 suc- 

 ceeding segments combined; anal segment nearly twice as large as the pre- 

 ceding one. Caudal rami about the length of the last 2 segments combined 

 and slightly divergent; seta of outer edge attached in the middle; apical setae 

 nearly as in H. parva. Anterior antennas rather slender, equalling about the 

 cephalon in length. Posterior antennae much shorter, but very strongly built 

 and pronouncedly prehensile; the first 2 joints rather thick and muscular; 3rd 

 joint very movably articulated to the 2nd and armed at the end anteriorly 

 with an exceedingly strong hooked claw; last joint small, without any claws, 

 but clothed with a number of thin curved setae. Maxillae with the masticatory 

 lappet securiform and very finely denticulated along the outer edge; palp with 

 one lateral and 3 apical setae. Anterior maxillipeds about as in H. parva. 

 Posterior maxillipeds comparatively smaller, with the dactylar joint conical in 

 form and provided with a single small spinule inside. Natatory legs resembling 

 in structure those in H. parva, though having the inner ramus comparatively 

 shorter and stouter; that of 4th pair somewhat smaller than the outer, with 

 the terminal joint broader than in H. parva, and carrying 5 spines, one on the 

 outer edge, 2 on the inner, and 2 on the tip. Last pair of legs with the free 

 joint narrow cylindrical in form and having the 2 apical setae well developed. 



Colour not yet ascertained. 



Length of adult female 1.40 mm. 



Male unknown. 



Remarks. This new species is especially distinguished by the peculiar 

 structure and pronouncedly prehensile character of the posterior antennae. 

 Otherwise it agrees pretty well with the other species of the present genus. 



Occurrence. Only a single female specimen of this form has hitherto 

 come under my notice. It was taken, many years ago, at Skjerjehavn, outside 

 the Sogn Fjord from a depth of about 20 fathoms. 



