Morris. — Rotifera not prevoudy recorded in Neu- Zealand . 167 



Brachionus variabilis Hempel var. novae-zealandiae var. no v. 



I am loatli to suggest making auotlier species of this Brachionus, as the 

 list is already a long one, and there is good reason to believe that many 

 of the so-called species are really only varieties. 

 Slight differences in the form of the lorica are not 

 sufficient grounds for specific isolation, particularly 

 in a genus like Brachionus. where vagaries in length 

 of spines are well kiiown in the same species. B. pala 

 and B. hakeri readily furnish examples of this ; but in 

 the Rotiferon now under consideration not only is the 

 posterior end of the lorica entirely different in shape, 

 but an elaborate renal system appears to have been 

 developed. These organs are spread out right and left 

 of the cloaca, and afford opportunities for study such 

 as I do not remember to have met with before. The B. variabilis va,v.)wvae- 

 proiongation of the lorica seems to be the result of zealandiae. 



this enlarged renal system and the necessity for more Ventral view of lonca. 

 space within the case. It is quite possible that this particular form, has 

 been already described. I have none of the more recent literature on the 

 genus, and I am sending specimens Hom,e for further examination.* 



The capture was made in a small pond at Totara, where they were in 

 numbers, parasitic on Daphnia thonisoni, last October. Length from toes 

 to wreath, Jj^ in. 



Brachionus quadratus Rousselet. 



The lorica closely approaches the one representing B. quadratus in 

 the " Rotifera Supplement," though not so angular in outline. The median 

 anterior spines are not so long, and there is a curve instead of a mid- 

 dorsal spine at the foot of the opening ; also, T have not been able to detect 

 the " semi-jointed " foot. On the other hand, the honeycomb-like marking 

 is very clear and distinct with dark-ground illumination and a | in. objec- 

 tive ; and this peculiar marking Rousselet has stated is characteristic of 

 B. quadratus. 



Secured from a small stream at Palmerston South. I have come across 

 it once in Oamaru, so that it is, comparatively speaking, rare so far. Length 

 of lorica. nearly ^A^ in. 



Fam. Anuraeidae. 



Anuraea aculeata Ehrenberg. 



Common in ponds about Oamaru, although, from its small size (j^oi^-)> 

 it is liable to be overlooked. 



Anuraea cochlearis Gosse. 



Occasionally found between Oamaru and Evansdale. Length, ^^^ in. 



* Since writing the above I have heard from Mr. Rous.selet, who states that this 

 Kotiferon closely resembles Brachionus rariabilis, described by A. Hempel in 1896, 

 and found by liim in the Illinois River, Quiver Lake, and Thomps(m's Lake, in America. 

 The New Zealand variety has not got the square plate over the foot-opening which is 

 conspicuous in the American species. B. rariabilis has not been found in any other 

 part of the world except in the two countries mentioned, which is remarkable. On 

 Mr. Rousselet's advice. T have classed it as B. variabilis var. norae-zmlandiae. 



