114 



species, chiefly occurring in the equatorial parts of the Oceans, though some- 

 times by currents thrown more or less out of their true home. They are all 

 pronouncedly pelagic animals, being as a rule met with in the open sea, near 

 the surface of the water. As is the case with the other poecilostomous 

 Cyclopoida, they are semiparasitic in habits, the females being at times found 

 within the pallial cavity of various pelagic Tunicata (Salpae, Pyrosoma etc.). 

 More generally however they are taken free in the sea, and this is always the 

 case with the males. 



90. Sapphirina iris, Dana. 



(PI. LXXV & LXXVI). 

 Sapphirina iris, Dana, United States Explor. Expedition, Crustacea, p. 1239, PI. 87, figs. 1 a d 



Syn: Sapphirina salpip, Glaus. 



gemma. Brady (not Dana). 



Specific Characters. Female. Body elongate, gradually tapered behind, 

 with all the segments sharply marked off from each other. Head defined from 

 the 1st trunkal segment by a distinct, somewhat flexuous suture, and obtusely 

 rounded in front; conspicilla well marked and closely approximate. Epimeral 

 plates of the 3 middle trunkal segments distinctly prominent and obtuse-angular 

 behind. Last trunkal segment much smaller than the preceding ones, but well 

 defined. Tail rather narrow, exceeding somewhat half the length of the anterior 

 division, and composed of 5 sharply defined segments, the genital segment being 

 distinctly subdivided in the middle; lateral corners of this and the 3 succeeding 

 segments angular behind; anal segment exceeding in size the preceding segment 

 and quadrangular in form. Caudal rami rather large, attaining the length of the 2 

 preceding segments combined, and oblong oval in outline, with the inner edge 

 much more curved than the outer and slightly angular at the end; seta of outer 

 edge attached about in the middle, dorsal seta placed much nearer the extremity. 

 Anterior antennae comparatively short and stout, gradually tapered distally, 

 being composed of 5 joints, the 2nd of which is much the largest, occupying 

 about half the length of the antenna. Posterior antennae rather strong, with 

 the terminal part (composed of the last 2 joints) much shorter than the pre- 

 ceding joint; apical claw short and stout, accompanied in front by 2 small 

 bristles. Natatory legs with both rami well developed and of nearly equal 

 size. Last pair of legs represented on each side by a small conical joint 

 tipped with 2 unequal bristles. Ovisacs very long and narrow, almost cylindric 

 in shape, and containing numerous ova. 



