Notes on Serpent Stars from Laguna 
Beach 
During the summer of 1918, all species were found that had been previously reported 
from this locality, largely by Miss Wortha Merritt. 
Frem the Balboa mud flats the Icng-armed serpent stars dmphiodia barbara, were 
taken again. This and one other species were the only ones sent to Dr. H. L. Clark 
for determination. 
For a number of years we have been finding serpent stars of medium size with 
dark brown markings. These were at first confused with others but as they seemed 
differe.t from all others reported, one was sent to Dr. Clark for determination. They 
vwere determined by him as follows: 
“Ophiopteris papillosa, a relatively rare ophiuran. . . . The genus is peculiar 
for its flat, nearly circular upper arm spines. It is most desirable to know if there 
is anything in the habits or habitat to account for this—” 
This species seemed not uncemmen in the littoral zone at Laguna Beach. A few 
were obtained from kelp holdfasts from deep water, but last summer Miss Merritt 
found them especially abundant ia rocky tidepools containing many sea-urchins. The 
serpent stars were around and under the sea-urchins—W. A. H. 
(Coniribution from the Zoological Lakoratory of Pomona College) 
