144 



1 



This larva was taken in the Gulf of Panama, near the island of Taboga, 



in December 1915. 8 specimens. 



Species b. (PI. 

 XXIII, Fig. 2). This 

 species differs from 

 the preceding one 

 in the general shape 

 of the body being 

 shorter and broad- 

 er, and the postero- 

 lateral arms some- 

 what more diverg- 

 ing. The supporting 

 rods of the anal 

 area are shorter and 

 upon the whole 

 more distant. The 

 posterolateral rods 

 are thorny on the 

 outer side in the 

 middle part. The 



anterolateral rods only with one process, corresponding to the upper one 



of the two found in species a. Postoral and posterodorsal rod slightly 



thorny, but to a variable degree. (Fig. 70). 



This species was found, together with species a, in the Gulf of Panama, 



near the island of Taboga, December 1915. 6 specimens. 



Species c. (PI. XXIII, Fig. 3). The main character distinguishing this 

 species from the two preceding ones is the presence of three processes from 

 the postoral rod, the median and the lower ones being directed ventrally 

 (Fig. 71). The anterolateral rod with only one process, corresponding to 

 the lower one of those in species a. The posterolateral rods thorny on the 

 outer side, as are those of species b; the postoral and posterodorsal rods 

 slightly thorny. The shape of the body of this species is more like that 

 of species a. 



Gulf of Panama, near the island of Taboga; December 1915. 2 specimens. 



Although there is some variation in the length of the supporting rods 

 of the anal area, the three species are easily distinguished by the characters 

 pointed out above, which are very constant, judging from the fairly large 

 and well preserved material in hand. There can then hardly be any doubt 

 that we have here three distinct species, not merely individual variations 



Fig. 70. Skeleton of Ophiopluteus fnlcitus, species b. 290 /, 

 s. supporting rod. 



