558 OLIGOCHAETA 



This species has been studied by myself only ; it appears to be a rather rare 

 species, as in numerous consignments of worms from New Zealand I have only 

 come across two specimens. 



Genus Plagiochaeta, Benham. 



Depiwitiom'. Setae, 50-54 per segment, arranged in couples. Nephridia paired; 

 alternating in position. Fenial setae present. 



This genus is only known by a single species. 



Plagiochaeta punctata, Benham. 

 p. punctata, Benham, Q. J. M. S., vol. xxxiii, 1893, p. 394. 



Definition. Length, 'ip mm, ; diameter, 5 mm.; number of segments, 89. Colour Irown, with 

 white spots transversely disposed. Prostomium completely dividing huccal segment. 

 Clitellum, XIV-XFIII, complete. Setae: 48 in IF; 44 in III; 30 in II; behind, 

 50-54. Male pores bounded by a rid.ge on either side. No very thick septa; those 

 of XIIIJXTI slightly thicker than others. Gizzard rudimentary ; calciferous glands 

 in XIV; intestine begins in XVI, spiral. Nephridia with caecum- longer in case of dorsal 

 pairs, begin in II. Sperm-sacs in IX-XII. Spermathecae in VIII, IX, with a single 

 diverticulum. Hab. — New Zealand. 



This species is copiously illustrated by Bj^ham in his paper. The great breadth - 

 of the body, as compared with its length, is one of the marked external characters; 

 so, too, is the very peculiar colouring. The clitellum is of less diameter than the 

 parts of the body adjacent ; this is a curious resemblance to many species of Perichaeta, 

 and unique among the Acanthodrilidae. 



Genus Teigasteb, Benham, 



Definition. Setae strictly paired. Clitellum extensive, XIII-XL. Three gizzards 

 in VII-IX ; calciferous glands absent. Nephridia diffuse ; a mucous gland 

 present. Penial setae absent. 



This genus only contains one species. 



