REPOET ON THE ASTEROIDEA. 109 



interesting to note that these larger specimens present even closer resemblances to Loncho- 

 taster tartareus. Notwithstanding this fact, I see no reason, with the material at present 

 available, to alter the opinion that they belong to the same species as the smaller example 

 from Station 156 above described; and I do not feel warranted in merging them (Loncho- 

 taster forcipifer) in the same species as Lonchotaster tartareus. They are distinguished 

 by their smaller habit, shorter and flatter rays, simpler paxillje, besides several other 

 smaller points of detail indicated in the foregoing description. They are, however, un- 

 questionably very nearly related, and until a larger number of specimens of Lonchotaster 

 forcipifer can be examined, I feel uncertain whether that form is really worthy of specific 

 rank, or should only be placed as a variety of Lonchotaster tartareus. 



Subfamily Pseudarchasterinje, Sladen, 1886. 



Genus Pseudar chaster, Sladen. 



Pseudarehaster, Sladen in Narr. Chall Exp., 1885, vol. i. p. 617. 



Disk rather large, slightly inflated. Eays moderately long and tapering ; almost 

 rigid. Interbrachial arcs well rounded. 



Marginal plates forming a well-rounded margin. Both series covered with granules, 

 those on the infero-marginal plates with a tendency to become squamiform. No pro- 

 minent spines on either series. 



Abactinal area with uniform substellate plates, having a more or less oblong central 

 prominence whose major axis lies in the axis of the ray, bearing a compact paxilliform 

 spinulation or granulation. A medio-radial line of plates distinguishable ; plates arranged 

 in longitudinal series along the ray. Papulag regularly distributed. 



Actinal interradial areas well developed. 



Armature of the adambulacral plates palmo-radiate in disposition, the furrow series 

 forming a radiating semicircular fan, whilst those on the actinal surface of the plate are 

 more or less irregularly grouped. 



Madreporiform body small, situated midway between the centre and the margin of the 

 disk. 



No pedicellarise are present. 



Tube-feet with a well -developed terminal sucker. 



Remarks. — Pseudarehaster is interesting as a link between the Archasterida; and 

 Pentagonasteridae. This and the succeeding genus Aphroditaster form a small group 

 apart, which I have placed as a subfamily, the intermediate character of which is un- 

 questionable. 



