THE CRUSTACEA OE NEW JERSEY. 285 



separated. Second antennae formed of ten segments and reach 

 to hind edge of head. Maxillipeds with palp of two segments. 

 Mandible with palp of three segments. First and fourth tho- 

 racic segments longest, subequal, second and third segments 

 subequally shorter, fifth and sixth segments still subequally 

 shorter, and seventh segment shortest. Epimera distinctly sepa- 

 rated on all segments, except first, as narrow elongated plates 

 not reaching hind edges of segments, except seventh pair. Ab- 

 domen abruptly narrower than thorax, first segment deeply set 

 in thorax and covered at sides by seventh thoracic segment. 

 Following first segment others but slightly increasing in breadth. 

 Sixth or terminal abdominal segment little longer than broad, 

 triangularly produced to narrowly rounded apex. All legs pre- 

 hensile, with long, narrow curved dactyls. Legs increase 

 slightly in length to seventh pair, which abruptly much larger 

 and longer than sixth pair, being greatly lengthened. Last three 

 pairs of legs have basis furnished with low carina. Color gray- 

 ish. Length 26 mm. 



Remarks. — Historically, as well as otherwise in many ways, 

 this is a most interesting isopod. It was originally the subject 

 of a memoir by Latrobe, who was also the first to make known 

 its host, Brcvortia tyanniis. So impressed was Latrobe with the 

 habit of this parasite of living in the mouth of its host, that with 

 graceful fancy he coined the specific names in the same vein for 

 both. The parasite he names with reference to the old Roman 

 prcBgustatores whose duty it was to taste of the food for their 

 rulers, the Tyranni, and thus insure against poison. The parasite 

 is certainly a remarkable creature, as seen clasped to the tongue 

 of its host and surrounded by the myriad of fine gill-rakers. It 

 no doubt finds an ample food supply in the minute herbivorous 

 food of its host. 



In New Jersey it has only been seen occasionally in the mouths 

 of menhaden taken about Cape May, though it doubtless occurs 

 in many other places along the coast, or in fact wherever its host 

 may roam. I have examined a large old dried example received 

 from Thomas Say, likely from our shores ? 



