196 



W. HAROLD LEIGH-SHARPE 



The analogy and possible homology between the basipterygium 

 and a femur probably led to the introduction of the term of 

 pterygopodia appUed to the claspers. 



Dermal denticles and tubercles are preserved in places, and the 

 tips of the claspers are provided with recurved dermal booklets. 

 These appear to be seven close together with one more remote, 



•15 



■o 

 cm. 



// ,-H. 



-Rh 



Fig. 4 Rhinobatus intermedius. 

 position of hypopyle. 



cl., clasper; Rh., rhipidion; H., possible 



and are stout, affording an early example of an apparatus for the 

 prevention of elision of the claspers from the oviduct of the 

 female, since they curve forwards; backwards, when the clasper 

 is bent forward in copula. 



The chief point of interest is that the clasper suggests from its 

 skeleton that it is rolled up in a scroll-like manner, recalling that 

 of Scyllium. It is probable, therefore, that each clasper was 

 accompanied by a clasper siphon. 



