I9I4-1 P- H. Stewart : Indimi Helminthology, No. I. 175 



5. Spiroptera denticulata, Rud., var. minor, nov. 



(Not Spir. denticulata, Molin — from Merops apiaster and Falco 



palumharius). 



(PI. xxi, figs. 41 -.^0 



Two male worms from the stomach of Wallago altoo, Bl. 

 Schn., from Lucknow. 



For measurements see table V (page 188). 



Elongated cylindrical animals expanding in club-like manner 

 at the anterior extremity. The body divided into a series of rings, 

 each of which in the anterior J of the body bears a circle of 

 cuticular hooks Fig. 41 represents the head of one specimen, 

 and shows the cone at the apex of which the mouth opens, and 

 the expanded ist, 2nd, 3rd and 4th rings. 



The hooks are strong outgrowths of cuticle "0238 mm. in 

 length on the 2nd ring. There are 26 on the ist ring, 22 on the 

 2nd, and 20 on the 3rd ring. 



The tail (fig. 42) is flattened on its ventral surface, 277 mm. 

 from the tail end, to form spear-head-shaped adhesive surfaces, the 

 margins of which are sharpened and supported by papillae. 



The number of these papillae is as follows : — 



Spec. I. Right side — Preanal 6. Postanal 6. 



Left side „ 4- ,, 5- 



Spec. 2. Right side ,,4- ., 5- 



Left side ,,4- >, 6. 



The preanal group is separated from the postanal by a dis- 

 tinct gap. 



The two spicules are unequal, the right is short and pointed, 

 the left (fig. 43) long (^ of the body length) and has a curious 

 foot-shaped termination. 



It measures "015 mm. in length. The spicules can be moved 

 independently of one another ; in both specimens the right spicule 

 is extended, but the left is withdrawn in the one and extended in 

 the other. 



The lateral lines are relatively narrow, ^th of the breadth of 

 the body and show a line in their centre which may represent the 

 longitudinal canal. The animal therefore belongs to the family 

 Secernentes of v. Linstow. 



The mouth is devoid of lips, narrow and circular, situated at 

 the end of the oral cone. A tubular pharynx leads from the 

 mouth to the anterior end of the oesophagus ; it is slightly curved, 

 and has a ver}^ fine cuticular lining. The oesophagus is broadest 

 at its anterior extremity where it expands like the capital of a 

 pillar, and decreases steadily in its first third. The second two- 

 thirds are uniformly cylindrical. Before joining- the intestine it 

 forms one complete loop by curling upon itself. There is no bulb. 



A nerve ring or ventral pore have not been observed. 



