BELLIA. 



33 



specimens ; iu the latter, the autero-lateral sides are convex, the 

 postero-lateral longer and concave. Plasti'on smaller than the 

 opening of the shell, truncate anteriorly, angularly notched pos- 

 teriorly, feebly concave in the males, strongly angulated laterally 



Fig. 11. — Shell o{ Bellia crassicoUis. 



in young specimens, feebly in old ones ; the width of the bridge 

 about equals the length of the hind lobe ; relative size of plastral 

 shields very variable; abdominals usually forming the longest 

 median suture, humerals the shortest ; axillary and inguinal shields 

 present. Head rather large ; snout very short, not prominent ; 

 upper jaw strongly curved on each side, not hooked ; the width of 

 the mandible at the symphysis is a little less than the diameter of 

 the orbit. Digits webbed to the claws ; front of forearm and outer 

 side of les, with larfre transverse band-like scales. Shell dark 

 brown or black, plastron usually with yellowish variegation, or 

 bands following the sutures of the shields, or a broad band along 

 each side. Soft parts dark brown or black ; some large yellow 

 spots on the head, viz. above the eye, above the ear, below the ear, 



D 



