1865.] MR. W. H. PEASE ON A NEW SPECIES OF LATIRUS, 53 
the description and figure given by De Blainville of P. fenestrata, and 
also quotes P. fenestrata of Quoy & Gaim., who make no mention of 
such a species. On comparing the above figures and descriptions, it 
will be found that they all refer to one species. ‘The shell figured 
by De Blainville as P. elongata is a member of the same group as P. 
cancellata, which is represented by a number of species and varieties 
in the Pacific. 
8. Drescrirprion or A New SpecizEs OF LATirus, AND REMARKS 
ON OTHERS, INHABITING THE Paciric IsLanps, By W. 
Harper Pease. 
Four species of La¢irus inhabit the Pacific Islands. They possess 
in common the remarkable peculiarity of displaying, when wet or 
moist, bright iridescent hues of various colours, although there is 
but slight analogy between them as to other characters. As they 
are of rare occurrence, and as we have in our collection a full suite 
of perfect and mature specimens, we propose to revise and extend 
the previous descriptions. The species range, so far as we have 
ascertained, from the Carolines, through the Ralick and Radack 
groups, to the Kingsmill; thence south to the Tongas, and east over 
the small islands near the Equator, not reaching Tahiti. The first 
and most notable is 
LATIRUS PRISMATICUS, Mart. 
Although figured by Martyn, the original and (so far as we can 
learn) the only description of this species was given by Mr. Reeve in 
Conch. Icon., under Turdinella, from aworn specimen. The figure 
of Martyn is not correct; but the colour is not exaggerated, nor can 
it be. Occasionally we have observed the tints change, and pass 
through several shades, while drying. We have seen specimens 
3 inches in length. The following description is taken from a mature 
specimen :— 
L. ¢. turrito-fusiformi, crassa, longitudinaliter plicato-costata, 
transversim nodoso-lirata; liris elevatis, supra costas com- 
presso-angulatis ; interstitiis concentrice tenuiter liratis, longi- 
tudinaliter squamuloso-rugosis ; columella triplicata, callosi- 
tate parva superne munita ; labro simplict, acuto, intus lirato ; 
fulva, liris nigro-purpureis, purpureo vel viridi vel ceruleo 
tridescentibus, intus crocata. 
LATIRUS GEMMATUS, Reeve. 
The iridescent colours of this species are the same as those of the 
preceding, but in a less degree. The white colour is confined to the 
left side of the nodules. To the description given by Mr. Reeve we 
add as follows :— 
** Longitudinaliter nodoso-plicata, transversim striata, nodis subro- 
tundatis.”’ 
