292 



The Irish Naturalist. 



The Long-tailed Allurus {A. macrurus, Friend), when preserved in 

 alcohol is 3 cm., or neariy an inch and a-half in length, and 5 millimetres 

 in diameter across the girdle. In this brief space we find no fewer than 160 

 segments, those behind the girdle being the narrowest I have ever seen 

 in any earthworm at home or abroad. Like its nearest ally {A. tetra- 

 gonurus, Friend), it has the girdle in a very advanced position, apparently 

 covering segments 15 to 22. The clitellar papillae {tuberada pubertatis) are 

 on the underside of the girdle-segments 20, 21. On segments 13 and 22 

 we find ventral papillse of a peculiar character, arranged in twins. The 

 head is fleshy pink, the body of a peculiar greenish hue, quite different 

 from any other species known to me. The girdle is yellowish, and retains 

 a somewhat yellow-green hue in spirits. The setae are wide apart, and 

 the anus is peculiar in shape, size, and general appearance. The enor- 

 mous number of segments behind the girdle (viz. , 140) has suggested the 

 name macrurus or the Long-tailed Worm, and the presence of the male 

 pores on segment 13 determine its position in the family. 



We now have five species of Allurus in Great Britain, each 

 one of which, however, merits a good deal of further investi- 

 gation. Of the life history, distribution, affinities, varietal 

 forms, range of habitat, and other matters we at present know 

 very little, and I shall welcome any assistance from collectors 

 in Ireland which will make this subject better known. The 

 West of Ireland should yield one or two more species if care- 

 fully worked. 



A summary of the genus may fitly bring this memoir to a 

 close. 



TABLE OF THE GENUS ALLURUS. 



