204M£i#£ ■">'• - . BUNODIDJE. 



It isj^ig&'st that this species departs considerably from 

 the type i wBui. node$- The irregularity of the warting, the 

 conical fofm'of the tentacles, and their style of colouring, 

 in alternate undefined rings, and the occasional eversion 

 of the walls of the throat, indicate a sensible approach 

 to the following genus. It is always to aberrant species 

 that we look for cross affinities ; and therefore I was more 

 gratified than surprised to see in this animal evident 

 marks of connexion, both in appearance and habit, with the 

 Sagartiadce. Before I had seen it expand, I suspected it 

 to be S. parasitica, especially when in the act of unfolding. 

 It has much resemblance to that species, as well as to S. 

 coccinea, with which it was associated ; for a number of this 

 little species occurred in the same dredge-hauls ; these also 

 adherent to the shells of the Turritellce. The whole aspect 

 of the Diadem Pimplet, including the colouring, is that of 

 a Sagartia, though the preponderance of its characters deter- 

 mines it to Bunodes. It is interesting, in this relation, to 

 notice, that one specimen in my possession protruded from 

 the mouth a bundle of what appeared to be true acontia. 



The species lives well in a tank ; where it readily deserts 

 its shell, and attaches itself to stones, or the vessel. It is 

 lively, opening freely, frequently constricting its column, and 

 changing its form with considerable rapidity ; its vivacity and 

 brilliant colour render it an acquisition to the aquarium. 



Both the scientific and the English appellations by which 

 I distinguish the species, allude to the coronet of purple 

 spots which surround the margin. 



Berry Head, P. H. G.: Torbay, E. W. H. H.: off 

 Teignmouth, G. H. King. 



Ballii. 



Sag. parasitica. coronata. Sag. coccinea. 



T. crassicornis. 



