527 



24. Cheirocratus intermedius, G. 0. Sars, n, sp. 



(PI. 186, fig, 1). 



Body rather slender and compressed, somewhat resembling that in 

 C. SundewaJli, and having a similar armature of the iirosome. Cephalon about 

 the length of the first 2 segments of mesosome combined, lateral corners 

 considerably projecting and somewhat instricted at the base, postantennal 

 ones reaching a little beyond them. Coxal plates about as in C. Snnde- 

 nriUi, except that the 1st pair are far less expanded distally, and that the 

 2nd pair in male are considerably deeper. Last pair of epimeral plates of 

 metasome much produced at the lateral corners, terminating in an acuminate 

 lobe. Eyes rather small, rounded. Superior antennae considerably shorter 

 than the peduncle of the inferior, flagellum about the length of the peduncle. 

 Anterior gnathopoda with the propodos a little shorter than the carpus. 

 Posterior gnathopoda in male exceedingly large and rather elongated, with 

 the propodos of a somewhat unusual form, being much tumefied at the base, 

 and rapidly tapering distally, palm occupying the greater part of the 

 inferior edge, and evenly concave, being defined below by an obtuse 

 prominence armed with 3 denticles, the second of which is bifid, palmar 

 edge densely setous, and having, somewhat inside, two distant denticles, its 

 outermost pai-t being divided into 2 tuberculiform lobes, the posterior 

 one slightlj' bifid, dactylus rather slender, and, when closed, impinging 

 against the edge, not, as in the 2 preceding species, upon the inner face of 

 the propodos. Pereiopoda in both sexes very slender and elongated, resembling 

 those in C. Sundeivalli. Last pair of uropoda rather elongated, exceeding the 

 length of the urosome, rami but little longer than the basal part, and edged 

 with scattered slender spines. Telson about as long as it is broad at the 

 base, cleft rather wide, terminal lobes each armed at the tip with 5 spines, 

 one of which is somewhat longer than the others, inner edge having moreover 

 in the middle a small spiuule. Body of a pale yellow colour, ornamented 

 with irregular patches of a vivid carmine. Length of adult male reach- 

 ing 11 mm. 



Remarls. — It is only recently that I have become aware of this 

 species, having formerly confounded it with C. Sundewalli, to which species 

 it bears a rather close resemblance, esjiecially in the female sex. On a closer 

 examination it may be distinguished, however, by a somewhat more slender 

 form of body, and especially by the very different shape of the posterior 

 gnathopoda in the male. 



