1909] Torrey:Thi leptomedusat of the Sam, Diego Region. 23 



Diameter 9-12 mm., rarely 11 nun. 



Distribution. — Common in surface hauls off San Diego, dur- 

 ing June and July. 



This species is closely related to the species aggregated by 

 Haeckel under the name Phialidium variabile. One specimen of 

 14 mm. diameter possessed 66 tentacles and about as many stato- 

 cysts. Young forms are found with mate gonads and 16-20 ten- 

 tacles. Epenthesis stages. 



Gen. Phialopsis, n. gen. 



Eucopidae with a small number of long tentacles (16-32), 

 numerous rudimentary tentacles (marginal papillae), and cirri; 

 numerous large statocysts with several statoliths; gastric ped- 

 uncle feebly developed. 



This genus differs essentially from Phialucium Maas, re- 

 cently defined as a subgenus under Phialidium, in possessing 

 numerous marginal cirri. These organs are. however, readily 

 lust ( rid. Mitrocoma discoidea and Eutimalphes diegi nsis). And 

 so closely dues the San Diego species resemble in all other re- 

 spects the East Indian P. virens (Bigelow) and P. tenue Browne, 

 and the Fijian Mitrocoma mbenga Ag. & M., that a question is 

 raised as to whether cirri may not ultimately be discovered in the 

 latter species. In any ease, the combination of two sorts of ten- 

 tacles, marginal cirri and large statocysts with numerous stato- 

 liths seems to be adequate basis for a distinct genus, for which 

 the name Phialopsis may be used until it becomes apparent that 

 the type species of Phialucium Maas also possesses marginal 

 cirri. 



Phialopsis diegensis, n. sp. 

 Fig. 9. 



Umbrella three to four times as broad as high, moderately 

 thick, with a slight central swelling into the subumbrella cavity 

 (rudimentary gastric peduncle). Manubrium short, with a cru- 

 ciform base and broad fluted oral folds. Tentacles 16-2S, well 

 developed and regularly placed. Between adjoining tentacles. 

 5-9 rudimentary tentacles or marginal papillae, the largest al- 

 ways median in each group. Cirri, usually more numerous than 

 the marginal papillae, scattered. 2-5 statocysts (usually 4 in 



