MKIH's.K OF WOODS HOLE REGION. 65 



CHARYBDEA Peron & Lesueur (1809). 



Charybdea verrucosa Hargitt. PL V, fig. 5". 

 * liarybdea cerrtwosa Hargitt, American Naturalist, Vol. XXXVI, July. 1902, p. 559. 



Several specimens of this species were taken by the author at Woods Hole in the summer of L901 

 ami were brieflj described ( vide supra). The following are distinctive characters 



Bell ovoid in outline as seen in profile, cuboid as viewed from either pole. Size 4-5 mm. in 

 height by 2-3 mm. in width. Surface of hell dotted somewhat irregularly with light brownish, warty 

 clusters of nematocysts. Rhopalia 4, perradially located ami set in rather deep pockets arched by 

 protecting hoods. Tentacles 4, interradial, spindle-shaped, ami deeply anmilated. Velarium well 

 developed, but devoid of any distinguishable canals arid supported by frenulse on the inner perradial 

 corners of the subumbrella. Gonads undeveloped in the specimens, which were likewise without 

 distinguishable gastric filaments. 



Colors. — Light amber-brown, with deeper brown on the tentacles. 



As pointed out in the original description, the specimens show many contrasts as compared with 

 to typical species of Charybdea. This may lie due in part to the immaturity of the specimens, as 

 already suggested. Mayer has described a similar species from the Tortugas which he likewise 

 considers immature, and he makes the same suggestion concerning a somewhat similar form described 

 by Fewkes. This assumption may in a measure account for certain of the negative characters noted, 

 but it has seemed to me doubtful whether it adequately accounts for all. In the absence of specimens 

 in sufficient numbers to warrant a decisive determination, however, the matter must of necessity rest 

 where it is for the present. 



Two species described by Mayer from the Tortugas — namely, t 'Iiarybdea aurifera and ' . punctata — 



were based on single specimens, which, being regarded as immature, as above mentioned, leaves the 



same doubt as in reference to C. verrucosa. A comparison of Mayer's description and figures (cf. Bui. 



Mus. Com. Zool., XXXVII, No. 2) will show many points of similarity, though at the same time 



evident points of difference. 



DISCOMEDUSyE. 



CANNOSTOMiE. 



Discomedusae with simple quadrate mouth, devoid of oral lobes or tentacles. Marginal tentacles 

 short, solid. 



F.i'uykid.k. — Radial pouches usually lti, broad and simple'; no marginal canal. Chiefly deep-sea 

 forms, though occasionally taken at the surface. 



LinergidvG. — Radial pouches broad, terminating in numerous branching, blind distal canals. 



SEMOSTOMjE. 



Discomedusie with quadrate mouth and with elongated oral arms or lobes which are often com- 

 plexly folded and frilled. Marginal tentacles hollow, often very long. Marginal lobes of umbrella 

 usually 8. 



I'i.mahiij.k. — Radial canals of small size, but usually numerous and branching, the branches often 

 anastomosing into an intricate network atid finally uniting with a definite marginal canal. 



t'\ sNEio.E. — Radial canals broad and pouch-like, and with numerous blind, lobular canals; no 

 marginal canal. Marginal lobes 8-16, rarely more. 



Pelagiidje. — Radial canals rather broad and pouch-like, but simple and without ramifying 

 branches; no marginal canal. Marginal lobes usually Hi. 



KHIZOSTOM.K. 



Discomedusae in which the mouth early becomes more or less overgrown and obliterated by the 

 s root-like oral arms, into which the gastric cavity extends. Openings to the outer surface through 

 various funnel-like mouths on the edges and surfaces. There are no marginal tentacles. 



Tom muck. — Radial canals 8-16, narrow and with anastomosing branches. Marginal canal absent. 

 Rhopalia 8-16. Suctorial funnels on the outer surface of the oral arms. 



I'ii.kmio.k. — Radial canals 8-16, occasionally more, variously branching and anastomosing. 

 Rhopalia 8. Suctorial funnels on both inner and outer surfaces of tl ral arms. 



a Draw ii by II. B. Bigelow. 

 B. B. F. 1901—5 



