429 



linear in form. 1st pair of legs well developed, with the outer ramus biarticulate 

 and nearly attaining half the length of the proximal joint of the inner; apical claw 

 of the latter ramus moderately strong. The 3 succeeding pairs of legs extremely 

 small and difficult to isolate by dissection. 2nd pair of legs consisting each only 

 of a biarticulate stem, the proximal joint representing the basal part, the distal 

 joint the outer ramus. 3rd pair distinctly biramous, with both rami biarticulate. 

 4th pair likewise biramous, with the outer ramus 3-articulate. the inner biarticulate 

 and scarcely more than half as long. Last pair of legs normally developed, 

 foliaceous, -distal joint oval in form and carrying on the somewhat obliquely 

 truncated extremity 5 comparatively short setae, each arising from a knob-like 

 prominence at the edge; inner expansion of proximal joint rather large, triangular 

 in form, and extending almost as far as the distal joint, marginal setse 5 in 

 number, 3 of them issuing from the inner edge; surface of both joints covered 

 with curved rows of minute spikes. 



Male of about same size as the female, and having the anterior antennae 

 very strongly hinged, with the 4th joint globularly dilated, and the terminal part 

 claw-like. 3rd and 4th pairs of legs slightly differing from those in female, 1st 

 joint of outer ramus in both pairs being produced at the end outside to a long 

 deflexed spiniform process; inner ramus of 3rd pair moreover terminating in a 

 somewhat flexuous spine. Last pair of legs very much reduced in size, distal 

 joint with only 3 stout spines, inner expansion of proximal joint not produced, 

 and carrying 2 unequal setse. 



Colour light grey. 



Length of adult female 1.30 mm. 



Remarks. This form was first described in the above-quoted paper by 

 J. C. Thompson as a species of the genus Laoplwnte, and was figured on a separate 

 plate. The figures are however far from being accurate, and also in the description 

 there are some apparent inaccuracies, which led Mr. A. Scott to believe that the 

 form observed by him was a different species. I think however that there can 

 be little doubt that the 2 forms are in reality identical, and the specific name 

 spinosa proposed by Thompson ought accordingly, as the older one, to be sub- 

 stituted for that given to the species by Mr. A. Scott. In size and general 

 appearance the present form somewhat resembles Laophonte cornuta Phil., but on 

 a closer examination is easily distinguished by the peculiar armature of the caudal 

 rami, and by the rudimentary condition of the legs of the 2nd to 4th pairs. 



Occurrence. I found this form last summer not unfrequently at Korshavn 

 on a coarsely sandy bottom, at depths ranging from 20 to 50 fathoms. As could 

 be inferred from the rudimentary condition of the natatory legs, the animal is 



57 Crustacea. 



