LEPEOPTI1EIRUS. 277 



lla /A- -Taken from flic halibut, in Berwick Bay; 

 Dr. Johnston.* 



5. LEPEOPTHEIRUS OBSCUKUS. Tab. XXXII, fig. 11. 



Carapace large, rounded oval. Frontal plates well- 

 developed. Antennae of considerable size, terminal arti- 

 culation giving off at the apex eight or ten short setae. 

 Thorax very much smaller than carapace. Last articula- 

 tion rounded on upper portion, and square at inferior 

 part ; laterally giving off, on each side, two sharp lobes, 

 one situated immediately above the other, and armed with 

 three rather long, plumose setae. 



Abdomen small ; not more than one third the size of 

 last ring of thorax, square-shaped ; the centre of lower 

 margin a little produced, and forming two very small 

 lobes. Caudal plates stout, and giving off four long, 

 finely-plumose setae, the outer of which is the shortest. 

 Sternal fork well developed, each branch being bifurcated ; 

 the inner branch being much smaller than the outer. The 

 fourth pair of feet is very long and stout, extending, 

 when stretched out, to fully the length of the thorax and 

 abdomen together. The first joint is large, and the last 

 terminates in three curved spines, the penultimate joint 

 giving off one also. 



Hab. The brill, taken in Belfast Bay, February and 

 March 1844 ; W. Thompson, Esq. 



* I am indebted to my much-valued friend Dr. Johnstou, for very fine 

 specimens of this pretty species, and for many other proofs of kindness 

 during the time I have been preparing this monograph. I am glad of the 

 opportunity thus afforded me of bearing testimony to his uniform attention 

 and unvarying friendship. 



