1913. | S. Kemp: Crustacea Stomatopoda of the Indo-Pacific Region. 199 
investment are curiously modified in the small section of the genus that comprises 
G. herdmam, brevisquamatus, furcicaudatus and other species. The S. Indian exam- 
ples of G. demani are, in my opinion, more closely related to the members of this 
section (in particular to G. herdmani, the least specialized form) than any other 
known species of the genus not included therein. 
In the majority of the specimens the spinulation of the telson consists of a few 
sharp prickles at the distal ends of the carinae and at the bases of the submedian 
and intermediate teeth. The median carina, as in the type specimen, is often con- 
siderably wider than those on either side. 
The colour of living specimens was very variable, but usually dark in tone. As 
a rule three characteristic pale patches were distinct: (i) a narrow transverse band 
at the junction of the middle and posterior thirds of the carapace, (ii) a lateral 
streak on either side of the first abdominal somite, and (iii) a narrow transverse band 
at the end of the last abdominal somite which is continued laterally as a patch at 
the distal end of the peduncle of the uropods. In addition, living specimens in- 
variably possessed a number of small brilliant blue spots surrounded by a black ring. 
The spots were always arranged in transverse series on the thorax and abdomen, and 
at the base of the telson, their number and arrangement being subject to much 
variation. The spots immediately turn black when the specimen is placed in 
alcohol. 
Several females of this species were found guarding their eggs. ‘The egg-mass is 
usually about 5 or 6 mm. in diameter and individual ova measure about ‘8 mm. 
No examples of Gonodactylus chiragra were obtained and I am inclined to 
believe that the species does not occur on the reefs which we examined. The 
experience which I obtained in the course of this visit has confirmed my belief that 
the species of the chiragra section of the genus Gonodactylus are well-defined , though 
variable within certain limits and showing a tendency towards the formation of local 
races. That G. glabrous and G. demani are specifically distinct, could, I venture to 
believe, hardly be doubted by any biologist who had had the opportunity of visiting 
the reefs at Kilakarai and Pamban, and had observed large numbers of individuals 
of both forms in their natural environment. 
In concluding this note I take the opportunity to express my indebtedness to 
Dr. J. R. Henderson, whose long experience and hearty co-operation in making the 
collection on which the note is based proved of the greatest possible assistance. 
