1913-] S- Kemp : Crustacea Stomatopoda of the Indo-Pacific Region. 199 



investment are curiously modified, in the small section of the genus that comprises 

 G. herdmani, brevisquamatus , furcicaudatus and other species. The S. Indian exam- 

 ples of G. demani are, in my opinion, more closely related to the members of this 

 section (in particular to G. herdmani, the least specialized form) than any other 

 known species of the genus not included therein. 



In the majority of the specimens the spinulation of the telson consists of a few- 

 sharp prickles at the distal ends of the carinae and at the bases of the submedian 

 and intermediate teeth. The median carina, as in the type specimen, is often con- 

 siderably wider than those on either side. 



The colour of living specimens was very variable, but usually dark in tone. As 

 a rule three characteristic pale patches were distinct : (i) a narrow transverse band 

 at the junction of the middle and posterior thirds of the carapace, (ii) a lateral 

 streak on either side of the first abdominal somite, and (iii) a narrow transverse band 

 at the end of the last abdominal somite which is continued laterally as a patch at 

 the distal end of the peduncle of the uropods. In addition, living specimens in- 

 variably possessed a number of small brilliant blue spots surrounded by a black ring. 

 The spots were always arranged in transverse series on the thorax and abdomen, and 

 at the base of the telson, their number and arrangement being subject to much 

 variation. The spots immediately turn black when the specimen is placed in 

 alcohol. 



Several females of this species were found guarding their eggs. The egg-mass is 

 usually about 5 or 6 mm. in diameter and individual ova measure about -8 mm. 



No examples of Gonodactylus chiragra were obtained and I am inclined to 

 believe that the species does not occur on the reefs which we examined. The 

 experience which I obtained in the course of this visit has confirmed my belief that 

 the species of the chiragra section of the genus Gonodactylus are well-defined , though 

 variable within certain limits and showing a tendency towards the formation of local 

 races. That G. glabrous and G. demani are specifically distinct, could, I venture to 

 believe, hardly be doubted by any biologist who had had the opportunity of visiting 

 the reefs at Kilakarai and Pamban, and had observed large numbers of individuals 

 of both forms in their natural environment. 



In concluding this note I take the opportunity to express my indebtedness to 

 Dr. J. R. Henderson, whose long experience and hearty co-operation in making the 

 collection on which the note is based proved of the greatest possible assistance. 



