DECAPODA. LEUCOSIADJE. 



BRACHYURA. 



GENUS EBALIA, Leach. 



Generic Character. — External antenncE extremely minute, in- 

 serted in the inner canthus of the orbit. Internal ayitenna lying 

 in oblique fossae, which are entirely separated by a small process 

 of the epistome, and concealed by the front. External j)^dipcdps 

 elongato-triangular, reaching forwards to the margin of the epi- 

 stome ; the internal footstalk gradually acuminated, the third joint 

 internally palpigerous. Anterior legs large, equal, the hand in- 

 flated, those of the male larger than those of the female ; the other 

 legs shorter than the first pair, diminishing gradually in length, 

 terminating in a slightly curved, rather strong claw. Abdomen 

 seven-jointed, but with several of the middle joints confluent ; 

 that of the male narrow, gradually diminishing from the third 

 joint : of the female very broad, the last joint very small, abruptly 

 narrower than the preceding. Carapace rhomboidal, with the 

 angles more or less truncated or rounded ; front produced, ele- 

 vated. Eyes very small. Orbits with two small fissures on the 

 superior margin. 



Of this genus, which forms the English representative 

 of the family Leucosiadte^ there are three distinct species 

 found on our coasts. These are sufficiently distinct in 

 several very tangible and essential characters ; and I 

 am surprised to find that Dr. Milne Edwards should con- 

 sider them merely as varieties. The distinctions will be 



