Earn. 3, Plate 28. 



EOLIS CINGULATA, Alder and Hancock. 



E. alba, olivaceo-maculata : branchiis elliptico-oblongis, albis, annulis 3 olivaceis ; in seriebus 

 subremotis 8-9 digestis : tentaculis fulvo-cinctis : lateribus pedis anterioribus paululum productis, 

 rotundatis. 



Eolis Hystrix, Aid. and Hanc. in Ann. Nat. Hist, v, 9, p. 35. 



Hah. Among rocks at low-water mark, Cullercoats, rare, J. A. 



. Body three eighths of an inch long, slender, tapering to a fine point behind; white, 

 variegated with rich olive-brown spots and blotches ; an interrupted line of which runs along 

 each side of the back at the base of the papillae. Dorsal tentacles much inclined forwards, 

 long, linear, smooth, tapering a little towards the top ; white, with a central band of orange- 

 brown, and of a pale olive-brown colour towards the base, where they approach each other ; 

 between and behind them an irregular patch of olive-brown extends a short way down the 

 back. Eyes distinct. Oral tentacles about half the length of the dorsal ones, linear, white, 

 with a belt of orange-brown. Branchice large, elliptical, oblong when extended, ovate when 

 contracted, swelled in the middle, and tapering to a point. The central vessel is of a pale 

 obscure yellow, nearly filling the sheaths, which are not very distinct ; they are encircled by 

 three olive-brown belts, varying in intensity in different parts of the circle, as well as in 

 different individuals, some having the belts very pale, while in others they are of a very dark 

 brown or olive-green. The papillae are set in eight or nine distant transverse rows of three 

 to five each, diverging at the summits. Foot transparent white, very slender and linear, 

 arched in front, with the anterior angles slightly produced and rounded; posteriorly it 

 terminates in a fine point considerably beyond the branchiae. 



A few specimens of this lovely little mollusk were taken in September 1841 under stones 

 among the rocks at the north side of Cullercoats Haven. At that time they were spawning, 

 and two of them deposited their spawn in the glass where they were kept. It consisted of a 

 short, thick, spiral coil, of one and a half or two volutions. Though we have frequently since 

 examined these rocks at the same season of the year, we have not been fortunate enough to 

 meet with the species again. 



The branchiae of Eolis cingulata are capable of great contraction, and in that state 

 almost resemble those of a Doto. When expanded, however, they 



" stand on end 

 Like quills upon the fretful porcupine," 



diverging in rays across the back, and giving the little creature a very graceful appearance. 

 This habit, together with the dark bands across the papillae, suggested to us the name of 



