272 SPOLIA ZEYLANiGA. 



The setse form a ring in each segment, which behind the cUtellum 

 is almost closed dorsally {zz ^^2 yz or less) ; in the first few segments 

 of the body, zz is a wide interval, and yz is also much wider than 

 posteriorly. Ventrally the ring is quite, or almost, closed ; if not 

 quite closed, the line of setse a, and the interval aa, is irregular. As 

 far back as segment IX. , the setae on the ventral surface are arranged 

 at very irregular, and in some segments very wide, intervals. The 

 ventral setae of segments III.-IX. are enlarged ; those of X. are 

 quite small. 



Internal Anatomy. — The lower margin of the intestinal diverti- 

 cula has a crenated appearance. 



The 'prostates are large, occupying six segments ; the duct forms 

 a single loop. On the right side there were four accessory glands ; 

 and on the left side two only, somewhat larger than those of the 

 right ; there is thus no direct relation to the number of dark spots 

 seen externally, the numbers for each side, four and two, being 

 reversed. 



The spermathecds open between segments 5/6, 6/7, and 7/8; 

 there are thus three pairs. The ampulla is circular in shape, and 

 flattened ; the duct is narrow, and nearly as long as the ampulla ; 

 the diverticulum, in most cases directed inwards towards the 

 middle line, is narrow, nearly as long as ampulla and duct together, 

 and dilated at its inner extremity. 



Remarks. — In a recent Paper on some earthworms from Yunnan 

 and the Shan States (12), I have described some specimens of P. 

 hawayana which very much resemble the above. The interest 

 lies in the fact that they are in some respects intermediate 

 between the typical form of P. haivayana and the sub-species 

 barbadensis. 



These two forms were previously described as separate species, 

 and are so considered by Michaelsen in the Tierreich (5). Beddard 

 however (3, i^. 645) considered that they should be united ; and 

 this Michaelsen (9, p. 187) accepts, with however the following 

 proviso : " I am not yet quite convinced that this view is correct. 

 Till now I have not seen a specimen — and I have examined many — 

 which aroused any doubt as to whether it should be placed in the 

 typical form or in the sub-species." 



We may take as a basis of comparison (i.) the diagnosis of P. 

 hawayana and P. barbadensis in the Tierreich, and (ii.) the follow- 

 ing passage from Mchaelsen's Paper just referred to : — " In the 

 generally more robust typical form with stronger setse in the anterior 

 part of the body the papillae near the male pores are always united 

 at each side, occupying an oblong oval area medial from the male 

 pores and mostly somewhat oblique. In the sub-species barbad(Msis, 

 the papillae near the male pores are scattered, partly very near the 

 male pores, partly near the median ventral line." 



