268 



177. Asellopsis hispida, Brady. 



(PI. CLXXXVII). 

 Asellopsis hispida, Brady & Robertson, Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist. Vol. XII, p. 187, PL IX, figs. 610. 



Specific Characters. Female. Body comparatively broad, flattened, with 

 the lateral expansions of the anterior segments truncated at the end. Cephalic 

 segment very large, almost quadrangular in outline, rostral projection rather pro- 

 minent, with the tip blunted. Urosome much shorter than the anterior division 

 and having all the segments produced laterally to triangular imbricated expansions. 

 Caudal rami short and broad, forming rounded lamellae densely clothed with short 

 hairs both at the edges and on the upper face, setae of outer edge closely jux- 

 taposed and not far from the end, dorsal seta issuing from about the middle, 

 medial apical seta scarcely longer than the ramus, the other 2 still smaller. 

 Eye well developed and of light red colour. Anterior antennae of moderate size, 

 and composed of 5 articulations, the last 2 of the proximal part being confluent; 

 last joint transversely truncated at the tip. Posterior antennae with the apical 

 spines and setae comparatively short and thick, outer ramus rather small and 

 provided with 4 short ciliated setae. 1st pair of legs with the outer ramus scarcely 

 half as long as the proximal joint of the inner, distal joint of nearly the same length 

 as the proximal one, but considerably narrower, and carrying outside a thin flex- 

 uous bristle, at the tip a single spine and 2 geniculated setae. Natatory legs with 

 the proximal joints of the rami somewhat dilated, especially in the anterior pairs, 

 the 2 first joints of outer ramus armed with a double row of coarse spinules. 

 Last pair of legs comparatively large, distal joint oblong oval in form with the 

 outer edge minutely spinulose and carrying 5 rather short setae arising from digitt- 

 form prominences, the penultimate one very thin, hair-like, inner edge of the joint 

 quite smooth; inner expansion of proximal joint considerably produced and of 

 narrow linguiform shape, extending about as far as the distal joint, marginal setae 

 4 in number, the 2 innermost ones much shorter than the other 2. 



Male with the anterior antennae very strongly built and distinctly 6-arti- 

 culate, last joint of proximal part globularly dilated, terminal part biarticulate, 

 claw-like. Inner ramus of 3rd pair of legs distinctly triarticulate, middle joint 

 produced at the end outside to a spiniform projection. Last pair of legs very 

 small, with no trace of an inner expansion of the proximal joint. 



Colour light yellow, with orange shading. 



Length of adult female 0.58 mm. 



Remarks; The present form, first described by Messrs. Brady and Robertson 

 under the above name ? is easily recognisable by its flat expanded body and the 



