654 A SYNOPSIS OF THE BRITISH PAXJROPOPA 



A Synopsis of the British Pauropoda. 



By Richard S. Bagnall, F.E.S., F.L.S. 



(Plate xix., figs. 11-25). 



Since my recent paper on some Pauropoda from the counties 

 of Northumberland and Durham was published,* I have dis- 

 covered numerous examples of these curious little animals in 

 many localities, and have every reason to believe that they 

 are more or less common throughout the British Isles. I have 

 therefore thought it desirable to show clearly the distinctive 

 characters of the genera and species now known from our 

 islands, and to illustrate some of the chief features. Though 

 the drawings are rough ones, by reference to figures 11-15 

 (showing the anal plate of each of the species herein dealt 

 with) it will readily be seen that the form of the anal plate 

 and appendages is an extremely good and valuable character, 

 whilst an examination of the head, antennae, and other 

 structures brings out a combination of characters almost 

 equally valuable. I feel confident that when British biologists 

 realize how strongly these minute creatures are characterized 

 more interest will be taken in a hitherto neglected order. 



Early in February I had the good fortune to find two 

 further additions to our fauna. The first was a new species 

 which from the form of the anal plate would seem to be 

 allied to the Siamese form P. spinifer, Hansen ; and the second 

 was P. danicus, Hansen. Only one specimen of the first was 

 taken, on the banks of the river Wear near Penshaw, and it 

 was unfortunately crushed by the nose of the microscope 

 whilst I was examining it under the i-i2in. oil immersion 

 objective. I hope to meet with it again. P. danicns was 

 taken at Sunderland; previously but a single Danish example 

 was known. 



* Present volume, p. 462, 



