Manchester Memoirs, Vol. xlv. (1901), A^o. 13. 13 



HERMELLID/E. 



Sabellaria viacropalea. Schmarda ('61), p. 23. 

 = Hervtella viacropalea. Schmarda ('61). 

 = Pallasia sexungiila. Ehlers ('96). 



Two specimens with sandy tubes were found on the 

 shore under a stone. 



After comparing these specimens with Schmarda's 

 (description of Herviella viacropalea, and Ehlers' excellent 

 description of Pallasia sexungula, I am convinced that 

 the two species are identical, the chief point of difference 

 being in the number of cephalic hooks. Schmarda's 

 specimen having 2, Ehlers' 6 hooks. M' In tosh (5. j'olm- 

 stoni ('85), p. 418) and Haswell {S. australiensis) point 

 out that the number of hooks is not a character of much 

 moment, for several reserve hooks may be present. The 

 specimens from the Falkland Islands have one pair of 

 large powerful hooks, and two pairs of smaller, more 

 pointed, reserve hooks. 



The form and character of inner and outer cephalic 

 bristles are alike in all three cases. The uncini, oar- 

 shaped bristles and set^e on the remaining portion of the 

 body are also similar. 



Colour. Schmarda's specimens were pale-red in colour, 

 with violet head and gills ; Ehlers' were of a smutty 

 brownish-grey, buccal portion reddish-brown, younger 

 animals of a darker shade. The remaining portion of the 

 body occasionally light-coloured. The specimens from 

 the Falkland Islands (preserved in spirit) are greyish- 

 brown in colour, the buccal portion of a darker shade. 

 The gills have a violet tinge. The cephalic setae have 

 the golden lustre which Ehlers remarks to be characteristic 

 of Pallasia sexungula. The Tube is composed of sand 

 grains cemented together and lined by a thin layer of 

 chitinous substance. 



