Zoology.'] NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. [Poh/zoa. 



Plate 127, Fig. 1. 



MEMBRANIPORA PYRULA (Hincks). 



[Genus MEMBRANIPORA (Blainville). (Sub-king. Mollusca. Class Polyzoa. Order 

 Infundibulata. Sub-order Cheilostoniata. Fam. Merubraniporidae.) 



Gen. Char. — Zoarium spreading, encrusting, or occasionally sub-erect. Zocecia contiguous, 

 quincuncial or in transverse and longitudinal series, separated by raised margins ; front mem- 

 branous, but cell frequently produced below the area.] 



Description. — Zocecia pyriform, produced below the area, which is elliptical, 

 with slightly thickened margins; two small, lateral oral spines ; a series of 4 broad, 

 incurved spines on either side, and 1-3 on the inferior edge. Ocecia large, with a 

 distinct vertical ridge and a shallow p} r riform depression or pit on each side of the 

 margin. Avicularia scattered, replacing cells, with broadly spatulate mandibles. 



Reference. — M. lineata, P. McG., in Decade III.; M. pyrula, Hincks, Ann. 

 and Mag. Nat. Hist., July 1881. 



Port Phillij^ Heads, common ; Portland, Mr. Maplestone. 



In the absence of authentic specimens or good figures, I pre- 

 viously referred this to M. lineata, Busk's figure of which my first 

 mutilated specimens very much resembled. It is, however, quite 

 distinct, and I therefore give a fuller description and better figure. 

 The spines are very large, glistening, rib-like, and arch over the 

 area, nearly meeting in the middle. They are attached a little 

 beyond the edge by a slightly bulbous origin, and are usually 4 on 

 each side and 1 or sometimes 2 or 3 at the bottom. The small 

 oral spines are frequently absent. The avicularia are, in most 

 specimens, numerous. They take the place of cells, and the 

 mandible is very broadly spatulated. 



Explanation or Figure. 

 Plate 127. — Fig. 1, group of. zooecia, showing an ocecium and avicularium, magnified. 



Plate 127, Fig. 2. 

 MEMBRANIPORA CORBULA (Hincks). 



Description. — Zooecia distinct, elongated, narrow below; area occupying 

 nearly tbe whole front, its margin slightly thickened; 2 or 4 very large, pod-like, 

 erect, oral spines ; on each side of the area a series of usually 7 broad, incurved 

 spines meeting in the middle and sometimes crossing. Ocecia globose, smooth, with 



Vol. II.— Decade XIII. -9. ' 103 ] 



