coe: nemerteans of west and northwest coasts. 159 



Size. — A large species, individuals often measiiring 40-60 cm. in 

 length and 8-10 mm. wide when extended. A preserved specimen 

 still measures 20 cm. long, and 5-7 mm. in width in intestinal region, 

 and VI mm. just behind mouth. When strongly contracted the 

 body of a large individual may be reduced to 6-8 cm. in length, 

 being several times as thick as when extended. 



Ocelli minute but very numerous ; situated as an irregular cluster 

 of forty to sixty or more small pigment spots 

 on each side just ventral to the dark head 

 shield (Text-fig. 31). 



Proboscis sheath remarkably long, extend- 

 ing backward throughout greater portion of 

 intestinal region. Proboscis large, the two 

 muscular layers well developed. 



Cephalic glands enormously developed, 

 extending 1)ack a short distance behind the 

 month. 



jVephridia remarkably extensive, originat- 

 ing a short distance posterior to mouth and 

 extending nearly the whole length of eso- 

 phageal region. Efferent ducts numerous, 8- 

 12 on each side, but of small size, scattered 

 at irregular intervals along the whole length 

 of the nephridia, and, as usual, passing to the 

 exterior immediately above the lateral nerves. 



Cerebral sense organs highly speciaUzed, rather large, much 

 elongated, situated laterally in the angle between dorsal and ventral 

 ganglia. Xear posterior end of dorsal ganglion, the sense organ 

 enlarges until it is nearly as large as the ganghon, with which it 

 fuses completely at its posterior border. 



Habitat. — Common among red algae, of color closely approx- 

 imating that of the worms, in about 50 fms. between San Pedro 

 and Santa Catalina Island, California. Common also in upward of 

 20 fms. in Monterey Bay, California. Often caught on hooks by 

 the Chinese fishermen in that locaUty. Sexually mature in August. 

 Dredged by the Albatross off southern California (Sta. 2975, Lat. 

 34° 01' N., Long. 119° 29' W.) in 36 fms., gravel and broken shells ; 

 temperature 57° F. These specimens after remaining 13 years in 

 alcohol still retain indications of their characteristic coloring in life. 



Fig. 31. — Taeniosoma 

 punnetti. Outline of 

 anterior portion of 

 body, showing posi- 

 tion of cephalic mark- 

 ings and ocelli ; m, 

 mouth. 



